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”

LSU has announced that Drew Dollar of West Monroe will not enroll in the fall. Dollar has been a source of controversy, because of a video of him on social media screaming a racial slur. LSU Black Male Leadership Initiative applauds the university’s decision.

Louisiana will receive a 135-million dollar federal grant that will elevate an eight-mile stretch of Highway One in Lafourche Parish that regularly floods. The state highway connects the rest of the nation with a critical national oil and gas hub, Port Fourchon. Congressman Garret Graves on when construction could begin…
cut 13 (11) “…quarter of 2021”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a measure that would have created an incentive program for businesses to add employees. Edwards says it could lead to a substantial cost to the state, but the bill’s author Covington Representative Mark Wright disagrees on the cost of the legislation…
cut 4 (11) “..to it”
The legislation received overwhelming support in the legislature and it could be brought up again in a potential veto session.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have provided companies impacted by COVID-19 a rebate for hiring or rehiring employees. Covington Representative Mark Wright says businesses would be eligible for the program if they hired at least five people and added 40-thousand dollars in total payroll…
cut 3 (07) “…sticking it out”
But in the governor’s veto letter, Edwards said that the program would create such a large pool of eligible businesses, the potential cost to the state could be substantial.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center they’ve found a chemical compound that could be an effective drug for treating obesity and related diseases. Pennington Executive Director Doctor John Kirwan says BAM15 infiltrated fat cells in lab mice and produced weight loss without any additional physical exertion
Cut 5 (07) “…leaner.”
Human trials will be needed before the federal government believes its safe to take.

Republicans are trying again to pass a tort reform bill that seeks to lower auto insurance rates by making changes to the state’s legal system. The House approved two bills yesterday. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the legislation is similar to other states who pay much lower premiums.
Cut 16 (09) rates”
Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation last week because he says there’s no guarantee that these legal changes will lead to lower rates. During Monday’s House Debate, Amite Representative Robby Carter tore into the bill over how it would impact the funding of court systems and it would hurt a person’s ability to receive adequate compensation if involved in a car wreck
Cut 17 (08) “…beginning”
The bill heads to the Senate.

A tort reform bill aimed at lowering auto insurance rates has cleared the Louisiana House. Matt Doyle reports lawmakers are still trying to pass the legislation, even though the governor vetoed a similar bill because it does not mandate a rate decrease.…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards has signed into law a bill that creates a 300-million dollar small business grant program. The money is part of the one-point-eight billion dollars the state has received from the federal government in coronavirus relief assistance.

Governor Edwards supports the U-S Supreme Court’s ruling that extends workplace protections to gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals. But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says he’s concerned it could result in an increase in lawsuits between workers and their employers…
cut 8 (11) “…lititgation rich field”
Edwards says the supreme court’s ruling proves he was on the right side of history when he issued a non-discrimination executive order in 2016.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center say their studies show that a chemical compound known as BAM 15 prevented weight gain, fat buildup and reduces blood sugar in mice. Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says if human trials are successful, BAM 15 could be taken as a supplement to treat obesity…
cut 6 (09) “…diet”

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.

Louisiana reported five new coronavirus deaths yesterday bringing the state’s death toll to 2,906. The five fatalities are the lowest one-day total for the state since March. But we are starting to see an uptick in hospitalizations as 12 more people were hospitalized with COVID-19.

A new fat-burning substance is discovered in the labs at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Republicans are trying again to pass a tort reform bill that seeks to lower auto insurance rates by making changes to the state’s legal system. The House approved two bills yesterday. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the legislation is similar to other states who pay much lower premiums.
Cut 16 (09) rates”
Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation last week because he says there’s no guarantee that these legal changes will lead to lower rates.

The governor is applauding a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court that provides workplace protections for gay and transgender individuals. Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk says LGBT employees can now go to work and know they can’t be fired because of sexual orientation or gender identity…
cut 9 (05) “….their head”

The Louisiana House has approved two bills that Republicans say will lead to lower auto insurance rates because it would limit what a person can receive in compensation from an auto accident. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry remains skeptical…
cut 15 (10) “….zero”
The measure heads to the Senate for more consideration. Governor Edwards has already vetoed a similar bill.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center they’ve found a chemical compound that can be an effective drug for treating obesity and related diseases. Pennington Executive Director Doctor John Kirwan says BAM15 infiltrated fat cells in lab mice and produced weight loss without any additional physical exertion
Cut 5 (07) “…leaner.”
Human trials will be needed before the federal government believes its safe to take.

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 governor’s office says in order to alleviate the impacts of frequent flooding, the roadway will be elevated 22 feet above sea level and connect to the existing L-A one bridge.

The House passes another tort reform effort aimed at lowering auto insurance rates, this time with a veto-proof majority.

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, 4 seconds, accordingly

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 seconds, zero

The Governor vetoed a similar bill in the regular session. This legislation differs from that attempt in that it further lowers the jury trial threshold to 5,000 dollars.

Governor Edwards vetoes a bill passed in the regular session that would create a tax rebate program for COVID impacted businesses citing its cost.

Louisiana among a number of other non-west and east coast states will be uniquely impacted by the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision barring employment discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or transgender status. The legislature shot down past efforts to codify this into Louisiana law, and Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen 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 Family Forum President Gene Mills has testified against this law in the past. Mills says it may result in unknown ramifications.

Cut 7 (11) “…releasing an employee.”

And Governor Edwards signs into law legislation increasing the penalties for throwing water on, or at a police officer. The new law makes the action “battery of a police officer” which comes with up to six months in jail.

On a 6-3 decision the US Supreme Court outlaws all employment discrimination on the grounds of an employee’s sexual orientation or if they’re transgender. Loyola University Law Professor Dane 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.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo warns that 41 percent of Louisianans in the end of month Census Household Pulse Survey say they feared not being able to make rent for June, and that two months from now that number could be much higher.

Cut 5 (09)  “…to”

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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. 

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Authorities are seeking those responsible for the gunfire that left two people are dead at a large gathering in Raceland.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says two females, 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis were pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 7 (10) “…at this time.”

The Supreme Court rules that employees cannot be fired due to their sexual orientation or if they are transgender. Loyola University Law Professor Dane 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”  

Ciolino says this now puts orientation and transgender status under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Housing advocates ask the Governor to again extend the eviction moratorium that lapsed today. Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo says 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”

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.”

21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, died in the incident.

Wild crawfish farmers are steaming over federal restrictions on who can and cannot receive CARES Act COVID relief money. Wild crawfish fisherman Jody Meche says crawfish farmers can get cash, but those who fish them in the wild have been left out in the cold. 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.”

The state health department reports 553 new coronavirus cases today, bringing the state’s total to 47,172. Over 37-thousand patients are listed as recovered. The state reported five more coronavirus-related deaths and hospitalizations increased by 12 to 568.

Housing advocates warn today’s expiration of the eviction moratorium could lead to a public health and homelessness crisis…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled that an existing civil rights law that says a person can not be fired based on their gender, also provides protections for gay and transgender individuals. The vote was six to three in favor of this ruling. Loyola University Law Professor Dane 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.

Wild crawfishermen are upset that crawfish farmers are eligible for federal coronavirus relief aid, but they are not. Wild crawfisherman Jody Meche says they can use the help, because they had trouble selling the product when restaurants were closed…
cut 11 (10) “…any relief money’
Meche says he’s reached out to the congressional delegation about the issue.