US Senator John Kennedy wants to hear from Christine Ford before deciding on whether to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Ford alleges Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a high school party in the 1980s. Kennedy sits on the Senate Judiciary committee and says a hearing is scheduled Monday, so the California professor can tell her story…

Cut 3 (10) “…too though.” 

Ford’s attorneys are requesting an FBI investigation before she shows up before the Senate. Kennedy is not sure what will happen if Ford doesn’t show up for the hearing. The senator from Louisiana says he personally asked Kavanaugh if the allegations are true and the judge said they are not and he’s ready to testify again

Cut 4 (09) “…defend himself.”

Kennedy has previously said he would vote to confirm Kavanaugh and today called him a legal “Rock Star.” But the Senator wants to hear more about this allegation that dates back 35 years ago

cut 5 (10)  “…serious allegation” 

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The attorney for Blane Salamoni is responding to the recent document brought up by the legal team of the family of Alton Sterling.  Yesterday, an email from a year before the Sterling shooting, was unearthed that called the former Baton Rouge police officer “nuts” during an altercation with another officer.  Attorney John McLindon says the email will likely not make it into court during the civil case.

Cut 6 (08) “…hear about this.”

McLindon says he expects the email was recently brought to light as part of a strategy ahead of the civil case.

Cut 7 (12) “…this is really nothing.”

McLindon says in order for the Sterling family to win the civil case, they have to prove liability, which he doesn’t see happening.

Cut 8 (06) “…what was legal.”

The case is set to go to trial in April 2020.

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it appears the state’s auto insurance market is stabilizing as there’s only been a two-percent average increase in rates this year. In 2017, auto insurance rates rose on average nearly nine percent. Donelon on why we are not seeing sharp increases in premiums this year…

cut 9 (12) “…accounted for”

Donelon says State Farm, the state’s largest auto insurance provider, has already announced a five-percent decrease in rates. He says companies are also offering discounts for good drivers. The commissioner advises policy holders to ask their provider about a Usage Based Insurance Rate Discount

Cut 10 (10) “cautious driver”

Louisiana has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country. Donelon says passage of the federal tax reform bill has also kept premium costs from jumping up even higher than they already are

Cut 11 (10)“…policyholder”

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A vote to denounce the drag queen story time event at Lafayette’s main branch of the public library did not pass at last night Lafayette Parish-City Council meeting.  UL-Lafayette students dressed up as women are set to read stories to children on October 6th about accepting LGBTQ individuals. There were passionate arguments from both sides last night, including a speaker against the normalization of drag.

Cut 12 (11)   “going down” 

Another resident protested library officials’ decision to proceed with the event.

Cut 13 (10) “later on”

But There were several speakers who asked the council to refrain from voting for the resolution to denounce the story time event, including the event’s organizer.

Cut 14 (11) “…this day”

And a resident who participates in drag, lobbyied the council to vote no.

Cut 15 (11) “to hate”

Three members of the council voted “yes” for the resolution, the rest of the members abstained, so the vote failed.

LSU place-kicker Cole Tracy is reaching folk hero status after kicking the game winning field goal versus Auburn. Cole is a graduate transfer from Assumption College in Massachusetts.  Now, that school is seeing donations from LSU fans in Cole’s honor.  Assumption College Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Tim Stanton, says the donations started coming after LSU’s win over Miami.

Cut 3 (07) “…$4000 total.” 

Stanton says he regularly speaks with Tracy, who has expressed his excitement over the donations which have nearly reached $4,000.

Cut 4 (10) “…about this happening.”

Stanton says with nearly $4,000 received so far, if the donations continue to accumulate, the school may do something big in Tracy’s honor.

cut 5 (10)  “…call it Tracy Field” 

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The civil case involving the Alton Sterling shooting has uncovered a communication sent one year before Sterling’s shooting death by Officer Blane Salamoni where one his superiors questioned the former Baton Rouge cop’s sanity. Sterling Family Attorney Chris Stewart says the revelation validates the family’s claim that Salamoni should have never been given his badge.

Cut 6 (11) “…the streets.”

Sterling’s attorneys say unless the city agrees to settle the case, they plan on doing a deep dive into communications between everyone in elected positions, from the city council to the mayor, to discover if anyone else knew about Salamoni’s history.

Attorney Michael Adams says the new information raises some serious questions about BRPD’s hiring and discipline process.

Cut 7 (11) “…the country”

A trial date is set for April 20th, 2020.

Adams says his clients are pushing for a quick resolution to the civil case, and warns they’re ready to make life uncomfortable for city officials if they refuse a settlement.

Cut 8 (10) “this case.”

Blane Salamoni was cleared by both federal and state investigations of any criminal wrong doing in the shooting death of Alton Sterling in July of 2016.

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A report out of the UK says it’s discovered at least 200 couples say video game phenomenon Fortnite is turning their marriage into a battle royale, and risking divorces. It’s the biggest game on the market at the moment, and LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says if you say your relationship is failing because of a game, there’s likely something else going on…

cut 9 (10) “…a concern”

40 million play the game every month, along with hundreds of millions of views on streaming platform for the 25 minutes matches, but like all popular hobbies, Moore says it needs to be done in moderation.

Cut 10 (08) “the day”

Moore says before diving into a match, make a game plan with your significant other about just how long you intend to play.

Cut 11 (12)“…youre playing”

The World Health Organization estimates two or three percent of gamers have a gaming disorder that stimulates compulsive play.

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Some of Louisiana’s 100-person contingent of first responders in South Carolina are coming home, while the others will continue rescue operations for the next week as waters continue to rise as a result of Florence. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says Louisiana firefighters have already assisted in the rescue of 500 individuals from flood waters

Cut 12 (07)   “model here” 

The remnants of Florence are in the northeast, but Browning says South Carolina is not out of the woods yet when it comes to more flooding, which is why their search and rescue teams will stay there for another week

Cut 13 (10) “right now”

Browning says they are focused on Darlington County, where significant flooding is possible because of the overtopping of a local dam. But he’s hopeful that the worst from Florence is over…

Cut 14 (07) “…so bad”

This is the last week of summer, but it feels like the middle of the summer with heat index values over 100-degrees. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures are also in the mid-90s…

Cut 3 (10) “into Louisiana” 

Keim says the good news is that we will get a little break from the high humidity after today

Cut 4 112) “…not 100% sure.”

Some records have fallen during this latest heat wave. The first day of Fall is Saturday. Keim says we are still a couple of weeks away from that first significant cold front that brings a touch of fall to Louisiana

cut 5 (10)  “…gonna happen” 

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Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser has returned to the Bayou State following a ten day trip to China as part of a Louisiana tourism mission in an attempt to lure more visitors from Asia.  The trip included a stop at the 12^th annual China-US Tourism Leadership Summit. Nungesser says they took two Louisiana chefs along to showcase our exquisite cuisine

Cut 6 (08) “…exposure for Louisiana.”

Nungesser says he believes the “Lights Camera Louisiana” film trail, which shows where many movies and TV shows were produced in the state, will be a huge draw for Chinese tourists.

Cut 7 (09) “…here in Louisiana.”

Nungesser says he believes Louisiana could see its own direct flight service with China in the next few years.

Cut 8 (12) “traveler to Louisiana.”

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State Police say a two-year-old is dead and other children sustained injuries after their father drunkenly flew through an intersection in Donaldsonville on Highway 70 and got t-boned. 27-year-old John Henderson of Baton Rouge, the driver, has been arrested as a result. State Police Spokesperson Sgt. Jared Sandifer.

cut 9 (10) “…the fatality”

The three kids and one 27-year-old woman who were riding in Henderson’s car received injuries as a result, one of them fatal. Sandifer says neither of the adults put restraints on the 2-year-old who died.

Cut 10 (08) “situation”

Sandifer says this tragedy can be traced to two decisions on the part of Henderson.

Cut 11 (10)“…safety restraints”

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The United Cajun Navy wraping up operations in the Carolinas after spending nearly a week saving people from treacherous flood waterss. 23 deaths have been attributed to the storm so far. United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says the situation is beginning to de-escalate after a Friday landfall that swamped the region.

Cut 12 (07)   “into them” 

It’s the farthest the Cajun Navy has ever traveled for rescue missions, and Terrell says despite the dangerous conditions, most of the Navy is on its way home with no major injuries, and only some maintenance work on the boats to take care of.

Cut 13 (06) “go home”

But not everyone is going home just yet. Isolated, rural parts of North Carolina are  flooded with little to no accessibility, located in counties with limited resources. Terrell says they hope to continue assisting those areas, while cleaning up the command center they built to coordinate rescues.

Cut 14 (08) “…good terms”

Nine former softball players have filed complaints with the Office of Civil Rights for Title Nine violations alleging that while attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette they were deprived of appropriate trainers, training facilities, equipment, and supplies when compared to the resources provided to male athletes. Attorney Allison Jones says the players also faced retaliation for bringing up the claims.

Cut 3 (11) “…people were hitting.” 

Jones says the university has a history of gender inequity as she has represented female professors how have also had issues.

Cut 4 (07) “…at the university.”

Jones says the goal of the players is to correct the wrongdoings of the university for future students.

Cut 5 (05)  “…at that university.” 

The university released a statement disputing the claims, saying it will “strongly defend itself” from false allegations.

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Entergy Louisiana is sending a team of 200 employees and contractors to the East Coast.  Hurricane Florence is expected to pack a mighty punch that could cause some extensive power outages. Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says providing help to other utility companies is part of a long standing mutual assistance agreement.

Cut 6 (06) “…possible to customers.”

Sabatini says in addition to line workers, they are sending over people for various duties in the cleanup effort.

Cut 7 (09) “…wires are down.”

Sabatini says extending a helping hand is very rewarding for the company and its employees.

Cut 8 (07) “…to do this.”

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Seven escaped inmates are back in custody after yesterday’s breach at Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Kevin Sumrall says it didn’t take long to apprehend the seven, most of whom were incarcerated for robbery.

cut 9 (10) “…procedure”

All inmates were recovered by 9:15 last night. Sumrall says they did not make it far, after a perimeter was set up.

Cut 10 (10) “partners”

Sumrall says it doesn’t not appear to be a premeditated prison break. Instead he says they suspect the inmates took advantage of a breach that occurred, and were able to escape through a wired fence, with no apparent planned goal in mind.

Cut 11 (09)“…thought process”

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins introduces legislation that would mandate random drug tests for U-S House and Senate members. If there’s a failed test, the Ethics Committee can take further action. Higgins says many middle class Americans are drug tested for their jobs, so why shouldn’t congressmen?

Cut 12 (12)   “the nation” 

Members of Congress would pay for the drug test.

Higgins says drug tests are an important part of professional life, and that you wouldn’t want emergency personnel to be intoxicated on the job, you sure wouldn’t want legislators to be under the influence either.

Cut 13 (11) “do you”

Higgins says the bill wasn’t inspired by a colleagues in particular, but he has seen a few things in the halls of Congress that might raise eyebrows.

Cut 14 (11) “…to wonder”

Higgins says early polling shows the legislation is unlikely to make it out of committee, but says he’s looking forward to hearing explanations from no voters.

Louisiana receives  a seven- million dollar grant to build a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1^st. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says currently, southwest Louisiana families have to drive at least 80 miles to the nearest veterans cemetery.

Cut 3 (08) “…Leesville” 

The grounds will hold 1,212 pre-placed crypts, 185 cremains, and serve nearly 37,600 veterans and their families. Strickland says the grounds, located just behind the Jennings veteran’s home, will feature a walkway that cuts through the land, landscaping, fountains, and a notable landmark.

Cut 4 (09) “…beautiful”

Southwest Louisiana has a rich military history, and used to be the site of an airbase in Lake Charles that closed in 1995. Strickland says Louisiana in particular is a magnet for those who’ve served our country in the armed forces.

Cut 5 (05)  “…small state.” 

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A new report says Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36-percent of the adult population is obese, up 23-percent in 2000 and 12-percent in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says the state needs to do better to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Cut 6 (13) “…will go down.”

Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

Cut 7 (10) “…help as well.

Auerbach says WIC is an example that government policies that can be implemented to improve health, as well as the rate of obesity in 2 to 4 year olds in WIC, has dropped from 13.8% in 2010 to 13.2% in 2014.

Cut 8 (09) “…board has improved.”

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A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says its politics.

cut 9 (11) “…for this”

Bourgeois was charged with simple battery for the hitting incident.

It’s made for an awkward situation for the two who have to run into each other twice a month. The restraining order bars Bourgeois from coming within 50 yards of LaFont, except for council meetings, where the two must enter through separate doors, which is how Bourgeois got his first violation. Matherene says the second violate came when…

Cut 10 (10) “order”

And Matherne says Bourgeois, who was charged with Violation of a Protective Order, knew exactly what he was doing when he entered the restaurant, took a look at LaFont, and decided to stick around.

Cut 11 (07)“…was there”

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The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says rain chances for south Louisiana will increase on Friday and Saturday…

Cut 12 (05)   “of year” 

Erickson says it’s unlikely this tropical disturbance can ramp up quickly into a hurricane, but the system is moving into an area that will allow for the shower activity to become better organized

Cut 13 (06) “tropical development”

Erickson says models indicate a Texas landfall, but the potential tropical depression or storm could bring south Louisiana more rain

Cut 14 (09) “…this week”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a medium chance for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico over the next two days. Seth Warthen, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a tropical wave entering the Gulf is becoming more organized….

Cut 3 (12) “…Texas coast” 

Warthen says the area of the disturbed weather might not have enough to time to strengthen into a major tropical storm before it makes landfall along the Gulf Coast…

Cut 4 (10) “…into the Gulf”

If this tropical disturbance can strengthen into a tropical storm it will be called Joyce. But Warthen says at this time they are not expecting any major impacts to Louisiana…

Cut 5 (05)  “…into the weekend.” 

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Small business optimism has hit an all-time high according to the latest survey by the National Federation of Independent Business.  It’s a new record for the 45-year history of the survey, topping the previous record set in July 1983.  NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says much of the credit for the high marks goes to improved economic policy.

Cut 6 (08) “…job openings perspective.”

Starns says capital spending is the highest it has been since 2007, which means business owners are expanding.

Cut 7 (09) “…effect for them.”

Starns says the federal tax reform legislation approved in December has  contributed to the boost in optimism.

Cut 8 (11) “…board has improved.”

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About 90 Bayou State first responders are on their way to the Carolinas to assist in what’s likely to be a significant natural disaster as Category Four Hurricane Florence is set to smash into the East Coast. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the crew, comprised of fire departments across the state, will be based out of Columbia, South Carolina.

cut 9 (09) “…trapped people”

Louisiana is no stranger to natural disasters. Browning says you could call us experts.

Cut 10 (09) “harms way”

The team will coordinate communications efforts with other agencies from around the country for what could be an extensive rescue effort. Browning says if you’re someone who gets inspired seeing Louisiana rescuers at work, just know there’s opportunities for you to pitch in at a local level.

Cut 11 (09) “…duties.”

The latest report indicates the storm may strengthen to category five before landfall.

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A lawsuit claiming a catholic school’s hair policy in Jefferson Parish was discriminatory against black students has been dismissed. Federal court records show the parents of two New Orleans-area girls who filed the lawsuit ended the legal battle. Legal analyst Dane Ciolino says there was no reason to move forward once the Christ the King school rescinded the policy last month…

Cut 12 (06)   “be seen” 

This story received national attention after a video went viral showing sixth-grader Faith Fennidy tearfully leaving the school after being told her hairstyle broke the school’s rules. Her mother and the mother of another student subsequently filed a lawsuit. Ciolino says the only reason to keep the lawsuit alive would be if the plaintiffs can convince a judge that the alleged discrimination caused damages

Cut 13 (07) “that purpose”

Ciolino says the plaintiffs got what they wanted and that was for the policy prohibiting hair extensions to be repealed, once that was done, it would have been difficult to get much more from the school….

Cut 14 (10) “…its settled”

A disorganized area of thunderstorms in the northwest Caribbean Sea is grabbing the attention of forecasters. Seth Warthen, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says the chances of development of anything major are low.

Cut 3 (07) “…stuff together” 

Warthen says the system is expected to move over the Yucatan Peninsula into the Western Gulf.

Cut 4 (10) “…to get developed.”

Warthen says once the storm moves north, the risk for a major impact in Louisiana is fairly low.

Cut 5 (05)  “…into the weekend.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards has plans to recommend a raise of at least a grand for public school teachers, the first substantial raise in about a decade.  The plan would also see cafeteria workers and other personel get a pay best of $500 annually.  The governor’s education policy advisor Donald Songy says the message from Edwards to the teachers is clear.

Cut 6 (06) “…southern regional average.”

Songy says the timeline for getting the pay raises put into effect will start with getting the ball rolling during the next legislative session, which starts in April.

Cut 7 (05) “…2020 school year.”

Songy believes the state can afford it, thanks to a strengthening economy…

Cut 8 (06) “…the additional revenue.”

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An Alexandria woman faces second-degree murder in the death of her husband in front of their three children Saturday in the parking lot of a Walmart. Alexandria Police say 31-year-old Kayla Coutee shot her 30-year-old estranged husband, Thomas Coutee. Corporal Wade Bourgeois…

cut 9 (10) “…that day”

Bourgeois says there were a lot of posts on social media questioning the second-degree murder charge. But Bourgeois says under Louisiana law, planning a murder doesn’t result in a first-degree murder charge.

Cut 10 (11) “that works”

The 2-year-old child of the Coutee’s wasn’t the only kid present at the shooting. Bourgeois says two other children, who were unrelated to the victim, were in Mrs. Coutee’s car at the time.

Cut 11 (06) “…shooting.”

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Drivers on I-12 West between Hammond and Walker got a nasty surprise today as the road was littered with nails, leading to over a dozen flats for commuters. Authorities aren’t sure if this was intentional, or just a case of bad luck, but either way State Police Spokesperson Trooper Bryan Lee says it sure did cause a lot trouble for quite a few drivers.

Cut 12 (09)   “those isues 

The department of transportation was on scene to pick up any nails that hadn’t already found their way into your brand new Goodyear’s. Lee says it’s not too uncommon, and as such there’s a special vehicle ready to go when the nails hit the road.

Cut 13 (09) “left out”

Troopers are trying to narrow down just where this may have happened, And Lee says…

Cut 14 (05) “…for you”

I-12 West is now open to public.