A new fat-burning substance is discovered in the labs at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Monday’s decision by the Supreme Court that LGBTQ people deserve equal treatment in the workplace is being celebrated by some while being a disappointing development to others. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Revisions to a regular session tort reform bill that was vetoed by the Governor appear to have won the effort a veto-proof majority in the House…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

Pennington Biomedical Research Center researchers say a chemical compound called BAM15 shows great promise as a metabolism increasing fat burner.

Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says they found the compound in a chemical library and administered it to lab mice. He says the results were impressive.

Cut 4 (07) “potential.”

BAM15 is not a substance that occurs naturally in the human body.

Kirwan says BAM15 infiltrated fat cells in those lab mice and showed weight loss in the test group without any additional physical exertion compared to the control group.

Cut 5 (07) “…leaner.”

BAM15 was also shown to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels in lab mice.

Test results showed BAM15 actively increased passive fat burn in test mice for hours after it was taken. Kirwan says it is also easy to administer as a supplement.

Cut 6 (09) “…diet.”

The substance will have to move to human trial next and would likely not be available for several years should it prove safe and effective.

______________________________________________________

The US Supreme Court’s decision on Monday of extending the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to apply to gay and transgender workers is being considered a historic ruling.  Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says it may result in unknown ramifications.

Cut 7 (11) “…releasing an employee.”

Mills says this could result in an uptick of lawsuits between workers and their employers.

Cut 8 (11) “…litigation-rich field.”

Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk says this decision means that LGBTQ individuals can now go to work with the peace of mind knowing that they have every right to be there.

Cut 9 (08) “…over their head.”

The decision came on a 6-3 vote, with two votes coming from conservative judges, including President Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch.  Handwerk says this is another step in the right direction for equality for those in the LGBTQ community.

Cut 10 (09) “…a good day.”

________________________________________

Louisiana Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish receives $135 million in federal grant money to construct an 8.3 mile elevated highway from Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow, making it the largest transportation grant in America.  Congressman Garret Graves says the road is vital to get to Port Fourchon.

Cut 11 (13) “…the United States.”

The money comes as part of the FAST Act which requires that projects which support national energy security priority consideration for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant program.

Sections of the highway are so low that the road can go under water with a high tide or a strong wind, but experiences the most trouble with storm surge from tropical systems.  Graves says shutdowns of the roadway have widespread impacts.

Cut 12 (12) “…of extended period.”

Graves says the plans have been in the works since the mid-90’s and the total construction time would likely span 18 to 24 months.

Cut 13 (11) “…quarter of 2021.” 

______________________________

The House passes legislation making revisions to the tort reform effort that was vetoed by the Governor, winning a veto-proof majority for the bill in the process.

Bill sponsor Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says the legislation 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 makes a few adjustments relative to legislation that was vetoed by Governor Edwards, namely decreasing the jury trial threshold further to 5,000 dollars from the previous bill’s 10,000 dollars. The current threshold is 50,000 dollars.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says just because companies are required to meet with the Commissioner, doesn’t mean he can, or will force them to lower rates.

Cut 15 (10) “…zero.”

Landry noted even the ten percent promised reduction in rates would still give us some of the top five highest rates in the nation, which needs to be addressed through other legislation.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez they’ve worked hard to make sure this bill ensures Louisiana’s legal system more closely reflects our neighbors who pay much lower premiums.

Cut 16 (09)  rates” 

But Amite Representative Robby Carter tore into the bill over how it would impact our ability to fund court systems and ensure injured victims receive just compensation.

Cut 17  (08) “…beginning” 

The bill heads to the Senate.

___________________________

Housing advocates warn today’s expiration of the eviction moratorium could lead to a public health and homelessness crisis. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

With a season full of restaurant closures that devastated their sales, wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out after not receiving any CARES Act funding.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

Housing advocates ask the Governor to again extend the eviction moratorium that lapsed today warning the state could face a public health and homelessness crisis if not.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo says mass evictions will hamper social distancing efforts.

Cut 3 (11)  “…wave”  

Ciardullo says the evictions put people at high-risk of COVID in a bad spot. He says if you are high-risk and get an eviction notice, know your rights.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…disabilities”

Ciardullo says 41 percent of Louisianans in the end of month Census Household Pulse Survey say they feared not being able to make rent for June. Two months from now it could be far higher.

Cut 5 (09)  “…to”

Louisiana has roughly 600,000 renters.

_________________________________________________

Authorities are seeking those responsible for gunfire that left two people are dead at a large gathering in Raceland.  Just after midnight on Sunday morning, Lt. Brennan Matherne says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance on St. Louis Street.

Cut 6 (10) “…shots ring out.”

Matherne says two females, 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, were shot and pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 7 (10) “…at this time.”

Matherne says investigators strongly urge eyewitnesses to come forward with information, video, or photos from the scene.

Cut 8 (09) “…people arrived in.”

_______________________

Crawfish farmers may have received funding from the CARES Act, but wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out as they will not receive any stimulus money.  Wild crawfish fisherman Jody Meche says he and his peers produce just as much and just as good or better crawfish compared to farmers and there should be no difference in funding.

Cut 9 (09) “…red blooded Americans.”

Meche says he spends hundreds of dollars a day on bait and fuel to harvest the mudbugs and the relief money would help with the expenses of not being able to sell his catch because restaurants have not been buying.

Cut 10 (12) “…3 or 4 times.”

Meche says this is the one time where fishermen can get money to spread out over the rest of the year and that conditions were favorable for this to be a big season, adding that this may shut down some in the industry.

Cut 11 (10) “…any relief money.”

Meche says he’s reached out to the congressional delegation about the issue.

_______________________________

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled a worker can not be fired because they are gay or transgender. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the ruling means the Civil Rights Act of 1964, covers sexual orientation and transgender status.

Cut 12 (12) “same feeling”

Ciolino says the ruling has added meaning in Louisiana because state law did not protect gays and transgender individuals from workplace discrimination…

Cut 13 (10) “…face legal liability”  

The vote was six to three in favor of this ruling. Ciolino says based on polling, the public supports the decision…

Cut 14 (10) “…overturn this”

Ciolino says the ruling means Louisiana employers can be sued if an employee believes they were fired because of their sexual orientation or transgender status.

The Governor’s moratorium on evictions ends today. Brooke Thorington spoke with a couple of landlords…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

A political analyst says due to the widespread adoption of mail-in voting it is unlikely we will know who wins the November Presidential election the night the polls close…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Governor Edwards has vetoed the tort reform bill. Kevin Barnhart on what happens next…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________________________

Evictions are scheduled to begin today after being frozen by the Governor since late March. Patrick McCarron with Thomas Jefferson Real Estate says he’s looking forward to proceeding with evictions as it has been a frustrating few months for landlords who’ve had tenants who’ve refused to pay rent.

Cut 4 (09) “government.”

McCarron says during that time landlords have been legally obligated to continue to provide basic services at the properties.

Baton Rouge landlord Steve Myers says the number of people who will be facing eviction varies but it appears that the vast majority of tenants have been making rent since the pandemic began.

Cut 5 (07) “…percent.”

Landlords who receive federal assistance or federally backed loans may not proceed with evictions until late August.

Myers says many tenants who have been struggling financially have been offered hardship plans by their landlords to weather the COVID shutdown.

Cut 6 (10) “…basis.”

Housing advocates warn the resumption of evictions during the pandemic constitutes a serious threat to public health. For more information on tenants’ rights contact the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center.

______________________________________________________

A Louisiana pollster believes it may take up to a week to know the results of the November Presidential election. JMC Analytics and polling founder John Couvillon says that’s because many swing states are adopting mail-in voting…

Cut 7 (09) “…day”

California, which allows mail-in votes to be submitted as late as Election Day, took weeks to officially report the results of the Democratic Primary earlier this year.

Couvillon says for example President Trump won Pennsylvania by just 40,000 votes in 2016, a state that just OK’d widespread mail-in voting…

Cut 8 (12) “…vote”

The analyst warns even in Louisiana, where the state has adopted restricted mail-in voting due to COVID-19, the substantial increase in mail ballots could produce slowdowns in election reporting.

Couvillon says even though the delay may frustrate some he still sees mail-in voting as the wave of the future…

Cut 9 (08) “…day.”

Studies suggest there is little to no partisan impact from the adoption of mail-in voting.

________________________________________

The investigation continues into Thursday night’s murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of four children and two adults at the Parkview Apartments in Monroe. Interim Police Chief Reggie Brown says 30-year-old Brittany Tucker killed a neighbor, her four kids, ranging from five months to 12 years old and then shot herself. Brown says Tucker battled mental illness.

Cut 10 (04) “…to her actions.”

Brown says Tucker was diagnosed with mental illness within the past couple of years and was receiving treatment.

But the chief says neighbors told detectives that prior to Thursday’s shooting that Tucker was seen walking, showing irrational behavior and waving a gun in her hand.

Cut 11 (10) “…she needed.”

Brown says they believe Tucker purchased the handgun at a local gun store, adding the investigation is ongoing as to how and why Tucker was allowed to obtain the firearm.

Cut 12 (04) “…June the 5th.”

Authorities are asking the public to call your local police department or 911 if you see someone with a history of mental health issues acting irrationally.
______________________________

As expected Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the tort reform bill aimed at lowering car insurance rates by making changes to the state’s civil litigation system.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the timing, with just over two weeks left in the special session, indicates Edwards does not believe the veto will be overturned.

Cut 13 (08) “…he did it.” 

Edwards cited the measure does not contain a mandate to lower auto insurance rates as assured by its supporters.  Pinsonat says the debate over this bill will continue into the special session.

Cut 14 (12) “…high insurance rates.”

Pinsonat foresees the Governor suffering some backlash in his relationship with lawmakers over this veto.

Cut 15 (08) “…in the road.”

Edwards says he’s willing to work with anyone operating in good faith to reach a compromise. He says he’s confident they can reach an agreement on a bill that will have broad support.

____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech confirms a football player has tested positive for COVID-19. The school says the student-athlete will self-quarantine for the next 14 days. Tech says additional football student-athletes could have been exposed and those players will also be mandated to self-quarantine for the next two weeks.

Prior to Saturday’s announcement, Coach Skip Holtz said he was proud with how his players stayed in great shape during the COVID shutdown

Cut 16 (22)  to play” 

Holtz says they’ve had enough time to prep for 2020. The Bulldogs had to halt spring practice in mid-March because of COVID-19. Holtz says the battle for starting quarterback will not get going again, until they get back on the field…

Cut 17  (23) “…get there” 

The three-man race to replace J’Mar Smith at quarterback is between Abilene Christian transfer Luke Anthony, redshirt senior Westin Elliot and redshirt sophomore Aaron Allen.

Senior linebacker Ezekiel Barnett says he missed not being around the guys when players were sent home as the pandemic began in Louisiana

Cut 18  (25) “…miss the guys”   

Lousiana Senator Bill Cassidy is not a big fan of the defund police movement. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

In addition to Middleton Library, there’s now a movement to rename more buildings on LSU’s campus Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis Police Officers should not have occurred, but calls defunding police a stupid idea. Cassidy says cutting law enforcement budgets will only help criminals.

Cut 3 (11)  “…fund the police”  

Cassidy says the focus should be on police reform and also allocating more dollars towards mental health programs so that officers have fewer encounters with mentally ill individuals. But he admits this is not an overnight solution…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…are treated”

Senate Democrats have proposed a National Police Misconduct Registry as a way to prevent problematic officers from getting hired at another police force. Cassidy says a similar system is already in place for physicians, so a registry for police officers could work if there’s due process…

Cut 5 (06)  “…of another.”

_________________________________________________

A long-standing Mardi Gras tradition is being canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19.  Senior Lieutenant with Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Tyron Picard says the Washington DC Mardi Gras will not be taking place next January.

Cut 6 (09) “…room by January.”

The event features Louisiana’s biggest movers and shakers in D.C. for three days of politicking and celebrations.  More than 2,000 people from Louisiana attend the four-day event in the nation’s capital.  Picard says the 76-year event has only seen cancellations three other times.

Cut 7 (09) “…and storied tradition.”

The event started off as just a cocktail party and a way for the Louisianan congressional delegation to celebrate Mardi Gras away from the Bayou State.  Picard says while it is disappointing to see the event be canceled, the focus now shifts to 2022.

Cut 8 (08) “…very safe fashion.”

_______________________

A proposal is in the works to rename LSU’s Middleton Library and there is also a movement to rename eleven more buildings on campus.  President of LSU College Dems Daniel Carpenter says there are buildings named after Confederate soldiers…

Cut 9 (11) “…why that is.”

The organization posted a press release on its Twitter page with suggestions of whom the buildings should be named after, as opposed to those with confederate or racists backgrounds.

Cut 10 (10) “…culture of campus.”

Carpenter says it is time for LSU to make the campus more welcoming and open, especially for black students.

Cut 11 (08) “…as a slave.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports the renaming Middleton Library. The Middleton family issued a statement opposing the name change and referred to their ancestor General Troy Middleton as a war hero and a Louisiana icon.

_______________________________

Iconic French Quarter bars are set to reopen at 25 percent capacity Saturday as New Orleans enters Phase Two.

This veteran French Quarter bartender says while some bars will open for the first time, many have been slinging drinks since Phase One…

Cut 12 (08) “man”

Bars with Department of Health food service certifications have been allowed to operate as restaurants, which have a 50 percent capacity limit at the moment.

The COVID shutdown has been devastating to service industry employees, but this Bourbon Street pro says reopening establishments at a quarter capacity does them no favors…

Cut 13 (06) “…living”  

That bartender says patrons must observe strict social distancing and must wear masks while inside bars or we could see super spreading incidents like have happened in other countries.

Cut 14 (07) “…careful”

Phase Two requires patrons to space out six feet away from other groups and calls for setting up tables for patrons to be served at like a restaurant.

Louisiana’s television and film industry has felt the impact of COVID-19, but when will it start to come back?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wants you to take part in a Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

___________________________________________

The FAFSA priority deadline for 2020 high school grads is fast approaching. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

COVID-19 has put the brakes on the state’s television and film productions, but it is believed the industry will resume soon.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly anticipates cameras will roll again in July or August.

Cut 4 (08) “…them in reentry.”

There is some uncertainty as to how quickly the industry will come back and at what volume, but Stelly says each production will have to make the determination as to how fast they want to move back into operations.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the state.”

Film industry unions and guilds have recently issued guidance for best practices when it comes to resuming productions in a safe manner.  Stelly anticipates spread mitigation efforts will be ramped up, including extra cleaning on set, smaller crews, and increased hygienic practices.

Cut 6 (11) “…will be production.”
______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging you to grab a pole and take part in their annual Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. That means you do not need a license to fish. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says it is the perfect time for experienced anglers to introduce the sport to a novice.

Cut 7 (12) “…out there too.”

Pratt reminds you to be safe while fishing by practicing social distancing and keep your groups to ten or less.

Cut 8 (10) “…them on too.”

Many families are looking for safe outdoor activities during the COVID pandemic. Pratt says Free Fishing Weekend is the ideal opportunity

Cut 9 (09) “…the virus.”

LDWF reminds the public that anytime outside Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 16 and older must possess a fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters.

For information on purchasing a license, you can go to https://la-web.s3licensing.com/

________________________________________

LOSFA has begun processing 2020 high school graduates TOPS eligibility and is asking students to fill out their FAFSA before the July 1^st priority deadline.

LOFSA Executive Director Sujuan Boutte says 2020 grads need to set up their Student Hub account ASAP to track the status of their TOPS application.

Cut 10 (13) “…study.”

Boutte advises students to use the exact same name and spelling on all documents to prevent processing errors.

The deadline to file your ACT score has been extended to September 30^th, but Boutte still wants you to submit your current scores. If you test again later and score higher…

Cut 11 (08) “…hub.”

The extension came as part of a gubernatorial order aimed at helping students impacted by COVID-related disruptions.

The COVID disruption has many students contemplating just sitting out the fall semester. Boutte says if you do, that’s fine but still file now in case your change your mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…gone”

For the 2019-2020 academic year, 54,000 students received 302 million dollars in benefits from the TOPS program.

______________________________

Louisiana Pandemic EBT cards are arriving this week for the first round of applicants.  The money is to help offset the cost of food for school children who would normally get free or reduced-price school meals.  Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says be careful not to confuse it with junk mail.

Cut 13 (05) “…is money inside.” 

Instead, it’s a plain white envelope with an Austin, Texas, return address. Those who have applied between May 25 and June 1 should expect to receive their cards by June 13.

Dunn says the average family will receive $285 per eligible child in a one-time time installment.

Cut 14 (11) “…receive those benefits.”

Dunn says the deadline to sign up for P-EBT has been extended to 4:30 PM on June 15^th and it will not be extended again.  So far, applications have been received on behalf of about 450,000 eligible children.

Cut 15 (09) “…about 700,000 children.”

____________________________________________

Legislation creating the framework to tax online fantasy sports passes a House committee and is headed to the House floor.

The bill sets an eight percent tax rate on net revenue for the activity and mandates those funds must be spent on early childhood education. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes applauded it.

Cut 16 (07)  our state” 

47 parishes approved cash prize based online fantasy sports gaming, an activity that is mostly limited to the sites DraftKings and FanDuel.

The fiscal note estimates only about 365,000 dollars of revenue will be generated every year. Bill sponsor Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it’s not much, but every little bit helps.

Cut 17  (07) “…forward” 

If this tax plan were to be signed into law by Governor Edwards online fantasy sports gaming could be up and running in the state for the coming football season.

________________________________

An attorney for the family of Tommy McGlothen, a black man who died while in the custody of Shreveport police believes the officers involved should be fired and charged with murder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

A resolution calling for more study into policing practices leads to a tense argument in a House Committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

During the regular session, lawmakers passed criminal justice reform measures that advocates say will cut down on recidivism. One bill allows parolees to check in with their officers virtually. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says this saves parolees from taking off from work to meet their parole officer.

Cut 3 (08)  “…work.”  

That bill, HB 77, was brought by Eunice Representative Patrick Devillier.

Another bill requires the Department of Corrections to issue ID cards to those leaving prison. Erspamer says the ID is tailor-made to help those recently released find employment.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…job”

SB 354 was brought by Covington Senator Patrick McMath.

Erspamer also highlighted a resolution continuing a commission dedicated to studying criminal justice system funding. He says right now much of the funds come from fines and fees on poor people…

Cut 5 (11)  “…ago.”

That resolution was brought by Houma Representative Tanner Magee. The commission was first formed in 2019.

_________________________________________________

New Orleans moves into phase two of economic reopening on Saturday.  CEO of New Orleans and Company, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Mark Romig says the easing of regulations will increase maximum capacity from 25 to 50-percent at restaurants and museums

Cut 6 (09) “…zoo is open.”

Romig says Bourbon Street will see a little more life as bars that do not have a food permit will reopen.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the city.”

A New Orleans staple will not return during the second phase, but Romig says we’ll eventually see live music again in the city.

Cut 8 (06) “…and concert halls.”

Harrah’s Casino will also reopen at 25% capacity.

_______________________

A lawyer representing the family of Thomas McGlothen, a 44-year-old black man who died in police custody, says the four police officers shown in a video beating him, should be fired and charged with murder. The four officers are on leave, but attorney James Carter says their badges should have been stripped immediately

Cut 9 (04) “…happen here.”

McGlothen died April 6th, but a Shreveport TV station released the video of his encounter with police this week. Caddo Parish Coroner Doctor Todd Thoma says McGlothen died from excited delirium, a sudden death of individuals who are combative and in an agitated state. Carter calls that junk science

Cut 10 (06) “…all that is.”

The coroner says McGlothen’s death could have been preventable if officers reacted to his medical condition. Carter says that’s enough proof the responding cops should be fired…

Cut 11 (10) “…McGlothen.”

Carter says McGlothen suffered from mental illness. The corner’s report says the injuries sustained from police tasing and hitting him did not result in his death.

_______________________________

The House Governmental Affairs Committee argued today over a resolution to create a 19-member panel to study policing policies. The legislation referenced the killing of George Floyd as a reason for establishing the study group. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson took issue with that…

Cut 12 (08) “Louisiana”

But New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the response to Floyd’s killing has been historic, and its the impetus behind a nationwide interest in policing policy.

Cut 13 (10) “…protests”  

The resolution mentioned the killing of black men by white police officers and questioned the treatment of minorities by law enforcement. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton called it racist.

Cut 14 (07) “…elected”

But resolution sponsor Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says people should instead be insulted by ongoing issues of police brutality.

Cut 15 (06)“  actions” 

The resolution ultimately passed the House Governmental Affairs Committee but was amended to remove any mention of George Floyd. It moves to the House floor.

The Caddo Parish coroner rules that a 44-year-old man died of natural causes while in the custody of the Shreveport Police Department, but his death could possibly have been prevented. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Governor Edwards says Memorial Day weekend did not result in a significant increase in the transmission of COVID-19. Edwards has a few thoughts as to why…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Caddo Parish Coroner Doctor Todd Thoma says a 44-year-old man died of natural causes while in the custody of the Shreveport Police Department on April sixth, but his death could have been preventable. Thoma says Tommie McGlothen Junior died from excited delirium

Cut 3 (09)  “…stimulant use.”  

Authorities say police officers used tasers, mace, and nightsticks to control McGlothen, who also fought with another citizen before law enforcement arrived. Thoma says McGlothen’s death could have possibly prevented, but he was left in the back of a patrol vehicle for 48 minutes…

Cut 4 (10)_ “…medical care”

Thoma says the autopsy showed McGothen suffered multiple blunt force injuries from his confrontations with police and citizens, but his injuries were minor. But He says a violent confrontation with psychotic behavior can trigger excited delirium and he should have received medical care

Cut 5 (11)  “…rapidly fatal.”

Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond says the four officers involved in McGlothen’s arrest are on departmental leave and State Police is reviewing the case.

_________________________________________________

A third person has died from complications of a drowning incident on Grand Isle on Friday. 33-year-old Terrell Miller of Houma died in a hospital following his attempt to rescue his fiance’s children, 9-year-old Dalvin Richardson and 8-year-old Davon Richardson. Grand Isle Police Chief Laine Landry says a day of celebration turned tragic in an instant.

Cut 6 (05) “…was Davon’s birthday.”

A 12-year-old female relative who was also rescued is expected to make a full recovery.

Over the last two weeks, there have been eleven calls for water rescues, with four fatalities. In addition to larger crowds, Landry believes there are three other contributing factors to the dangerous conditions.

Cut 7 (12) “…for beach protection.”

Landry says they are sending a clear message to beach goers about being vigilant of rough seas and strong currents.

Cut 8 (11) “…public access points.”

_______________________

It’s been two weeks since Memorial Day weekend and Governor Edwards says he’s heartened to see the state did not experience a significant surge in COVID transmission as a result of the holiday.

Edwards says they have a few theories as to why transmissions did not spike…

Cut 9 (11) “…to do.”

Many states are seeing transmission rates increase as they reopen, but Edwards says that does not appear to be the case in Louisiana outside of the Monroe Region…

Cut 10 (10) “…there.”

Louisiana saw an increase in new case growth last week but continues to see fewer hospitalizations. Edwards says that may just be a result of our significantly expanded testing capacity.

An LSU poll that showed 62 percent wear a mask always or often when leaving the house, up from just 48 percent in April. Edwards thanked residents for being responsible and masking up…

Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

The poll indicated that 76 percent of people agree that wearing a mask is the responsible thing to do.

_______________________________

An East Feliciana Parish judge has voided the first-degree murder charge of accused serial killer Ryan Sharpe as the result of a recent US Supreme Court decision that bans non-unanimous convictions. Sharpe’s Attorney Tommy Damico says his client was convicted by jurors 11 to 1 last December…

Cut 12 (12) “motion”

The First Degree Murder charge was for the killing of 48-year-old Brad DeFranceschi, one of three men Sharpe is accused of fatally shooting during a killing spree in East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes in 2017. Authorities say Sharpe shot and wounded a fourth person.

A new trial has been scheduled for December. Damico says he will try to convince a new jury that his client was insane at the time of the shootings.

Cut 13 (13) “…insanity”  

Physiatrists in the first trial raised doubts that Sharpe had a mental illness.

Damico says non-unanimous jury verdicts are unjust and he’s glad the High Court’s ruling will give his client another chance.

Cut 14 (08) “…justice”