Chances are increasing a tropical depression will form and move into the southern Gulf of Mexico late this weekend, or early next week. The broad area of low pressure is near the Honduras coast. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Megan Williams says there is a high chance a tropical depression could develop over the next five days, but its destination is a mystery.

Cut 3 (07) “…gunna go.” 

The system is moving northward and stretches from Nicaragua to Hispaniola.

Some early models have it tracking over Florida once it enters the Gulf, but if it does makes its way to Louisiana, Williams says it could bring some nasty weather.

Cut 4 (06) “…rainfall.″

Major storms are less likely to develop this late in the hurricane season, but Williams says the conditions are still there for some strengthening.

Cut 5 (10)  “…a possibility.” 

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It’s been six months since the disappearance of a 4 year old in Claiborne Parish.  Rondriez “Junior” Phillips vanished on April 5^th, and the search still continues with a reward offered by the FBI for information that helps find him.  Sheriff Ken Bailey says tips still come in, but not as often.

Cut 6 (06)  “…already knew about.”

Both parents of the child have seen legal troubles with arrests since the disappearance.  Bailey says the continued silence with those that likely have knowledge of the situation adds to the frustration.

Cut 7 (10)  “…not say anything.”

Phillips was outside with his step father, who was working on a vehicle, when he went missing. Bailey says the disappearance has shaken the community.

cut 8 (07) “…in Claiborne Parish.”

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Iraq is set to buy 90,000 tons of American grown rice in a deal that more than triples the tonnage of the original request pushed by Congressman Ralph Abraham and others, and that’s big for Louisiana, which produces more rice than any other state. Abraham says the Iraqi appetite is growing…

cut 9 (08) “…United States”

The LSU AgCenter says Louisiana produced 2.7 billion pounds of rice in 2017, valued at 372.7 million dollars.

Abraham has mentioned the need for diversifying the state’s agricultural exports in the past, and says he’s been working behind the scenes to solidify this new Mid-East connection.

Cut 10 (09) “…Suleiman” 

The last Iraqi rice deal was for 15,000 tons.

Abraham says this could lead to more large scale rice deals.

Cut 11 (08)“…good thing”

_______________________

Nearly 200 female Louisiana lawyers have signed a petition urging the state’s two US Senators to vote against the Supreme Court Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  The document highlights the judge’s temperament during the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing as enough to disqualify him from consideration. Baton Rouge Attorney Jill Craft…

Cut 12 (09)   “…held in contempt.” 

Craft says it is concerning that Kavanaugh injection of political targeting as a reason for the allegations.

Cut 13 (07) “…through a political lens.”

Craft cites last year’s confirmation proceedings of Neil Gorsuch in comparison to Kavanaugh as a testament to the nominee’s lack of judicial temperament.

Cut 14 (08) “…have the baggage.”

But Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says Kavanaugh has shown excellent temperament as a judge. A final vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation is expected Saturday.

New, cheaper health insurance plans are available on the Louisiana marketplace, but there’s a catch: they don’t have to provide the same level of coverage as was mandated under Obamacare. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the plan may not cover things like pre-existing conditions and prescriptions.

Cut 3 (10) “…a result.” 

The short term plans can be utilized for up to three years.

Individual market plans saw a half decade of nearly double digit rate increases before leveling out this year. While prices are expected to go down about six percent nationwide this year, Donelon says many families making over 90,000 dollars a year that didn’t qualify for Obamacare subsides still can’t afford the coverage.

Cut 4 (09) “…our state.″

Donelon says the problem is exacerbated by declining numbers of employers who offer health care plans.

Since 2010 many Louisianans have likely grown used to the guarantee that their health insurance covers pre-existing conditions, emergency services, hospital stay, and likely comes with a reasonable deductible. Donelon says these plans may not offer those services, so be careful when shopping.

Cut 5 (09)  “…health insurance.” 

The Commissioner says Louisianans may need to employ an insurance expert before shopping for the new plans.

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A buyer has purchased the Avondale Shipyard in Jefferson Parish, with plans to turn the site into a global logistics hub that could employ 2,000 people. The 254 acre site was purchased by T. Parker Host and Hilco Redevelopment in a joint venture labeled Avondale Marine LLC. Governor Edwards says it’s a substantial project.

Cut 6 (10) “…at Avondaley”

The shipyard shut down back in 2014 after a long and distinguished history where it employed over ten thousand workers who build many of the naval vessels that patrolled the seas during the cold war. While the administration admits it won’t be a return to its former glory, they say it’s a solid start.

Cut 7 (06) “…at Avondale”

T. Parker Host CEO Adam Anderson says they’ll be utilizing the skills of many of the former Avondale workers for their new project.

Cut 8 (09) “of Louisiana.”…

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A proposal to build an airstrip on Elmer’s Island in Jefferson Parish has been grounded after receiving complaints from conservation groups and environmentalists who questioned whether it’s a good idea to have an airport in a protected wildlife refuge. Cynthia Duet, Deputy Director of Audubon Louisiana, says the big fear is bird strikes, with planes flying in and out of the airport…

cut 9 (04) “…about this”

Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet signed an agreement in August to begin planning the construction of the air strip. Duet says they argued you can’t have an airport near an important bird-nesting site…

Cut 10 (09) “…south and north” 

L-D-W-F supported the airstrip, because it could increase recreational access to Elmer’s Island and make it easier for their biologists to get their research lab and oyster hatchery. The mayor of Grand Isle also believed the project would result in more tourism. But Duet is glad all sides thought better of the idea…

Cut 11 (10)“…Wildlife refuge”

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Usually gasoline prices fall at this time of year, but the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is actually on the rise to $2.65 per gallon. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the price at the pump is at its highest level since 2014.

Cut 12 (04)   “…a week ago.” 

Redman says the price hike may catch some by surprise, but says several factors contribute to the latest numbers, including tremendous demand seen over the summer having an impact on the inventories of crude oil.

Cut 13 (08) “…dollars a barrel.”

Redman says the price of crude oil could go even higher, so a break between now and the holidays is not likely.

Cut 14 (08) “…break at all.”

It was a very emotional night outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night as hundreds showed up for vigil to remember LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. His teammate and lifelong friend Skylar Mays spoke for about 10 minutes

Cut 3 (11) “…people feel.” 

Sims was fatally shot last Friday by a 20-year-old man during a altercation involving several people near the Southern University campus.

Wayde’s father, Wayne Sims, spoke at the gathering and took time to address his son’s teammates.

Cut 4 (08) “…team is your family.″

Sims says he hopes that others can learn something from his son’s death.

Cut 5 (10)  “…somebody else’s life.” 

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Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is backing efforts to replace NAFTA with a new deal that would adjust some aspects of trade with Canada and Mexico. Strain says the deal would open up Canada to American dairy, incentivize more American automobile production, and increase standards for food coming in from south of the boarder…

Cut 6 (10) “…vital sanitary”

The deal would mandate 40 to 45 percent of all car manufacturing take place in countries where workers make 16 dollars an hour.

13 percent of Louisiana’s exports went to Mexico last year, with five percent heading up north to Canada. Strain says considering how much we export to our neighbors, the more level playing field could help state growers compete.

Cut 7 (10) “…a year”

The state is an exporting powerhouse, with five of the top 15 ports by tonnage residing within its borders. Strain says if approved, the new trade deal would help spur economic growth by giving a boost to some major Louisiana based corporations.

Cut 8 (10) “…other products”

President Donald Trump supports the plan, which would first need to clear Congress before it could be put into law.

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There’s good news for 2016 flood victims who can not receive federal rebuilding grants through the Louisiana Restore Program, because they already received an S-B-A loan. Senator Bill Cassidy says legislation addressing the duplication of benefits issue has passed the senate and is heading to the President Trump’s desk…

cut 9 (06) “…part of process”

Cassidy says he’s heard from many 2016 flood victims who did what they were told to do, only to find out they were not eligible for the millions of dollars in federal recovery grants…

Cut 10 (12) “…they made” 

Cassidy says he’s been working on this issue for two years and knew it would be difficult to get changed because of previous experience. He says they’ve had committee hearings and the Senator also brought up the problem with the SBA director…

Cut 11 (09)“…succeeded.”

The Louisiana Office of Community Development has said if SBA loans are removed from the duplication of benefits rule, than over six-thousand Louisiana homeowners could be eligible for about 215-million dollars in Restore grants.

One woman is dead and another in the hospital after being trapped in an overturned vehicle stranded in a canal for over 24 hours. Brittany Guillory and Jada Jones, both of Ville Platte, were on the way home early Sunday morning when the vehicle drove off a curve on North Line Road in Port Allen. West Baton Rouge Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Ken Albarez says the car struck some trees in its path.

Cut 3 (08) “…bottom of a canal.” 

Officials recovered the victims from the canal Monday afternoon after two friends of the girls, Catera Ned and Alexander Chinn went on the hunt for them and eventually found them. Albarez says he believes divine intervention lead them to the vehicle.

Cut 4 (10) “…absolutely not.″

Albarez says he considers the friends that put in the effort to find the two, to be heroes.

Cut 5 (09)  “…they found her.” 

Guillory died in the accident.  Jada Jones survived and continues to recover from her injuries.

______________________________________

Louisiana will receive 3.6 million dollars from the U-S Department of Education to help schools statewide develop and expand their emergency operation plans for disasters, whether they are natural or manmade. The governor’s education policy advisor, Donald Songy, says they want every school to have a plan in place if students are threatened

Cut 6 (09) “…the student”

Songy says thanks to the grant money, LSU’s counter-terrorist education academy will help schools have a disaster plan in place

Cut 7 (08) “…on their site”

The LSU academy works with national experts on how to formulate emergency response plans. He says every public school in the state will feel the impact of this federal grant

Cut 8 (06) “…school safety”

__________________________

A woman’s body found in Cameron Parish was apparently burned with gasoline as part of a possible homicide. 32-year-old Mitzie Galimidi appears to have already been dead when her body was brought to the scene and doused, according to authorities. Cameron Sheriff Ron Johnson says so far they have very little evidence.

cut 9 (12) “…of death”

Johnson says if authorities conclude it’s not a homicide case, whoever dumped Mrs. Galimidi still isn’t getting off Scott free.

Cut 10 (10) “…the body 

Police say they discovered the body less than 24 hours after the attempted dumping and burning. Johnson says they determined it was an attempted burning after contacting the Fire Marshal.

Cut 11 (12)“…off there.”

_______________________

A 37-year-old, ten year veteran of the Louisiana State Police has been arrested and charged with Abuse of Office after an investigation revealed he allegedly used his access to law enforcement databases for unauthorized activities. John Kelley of Troop G is out after posting bond. Trooper Glenn Younger says the investigation is ongoing, but…

Cut 12 (09)   “…be upheld” 

Younger says having to arrest one of their own was a tough moment.

Cut 13 (09) “…higher standard.”

LSU men’s basketball player Wayde Sims was fatally shot during the overnight hours near the Southern University campus. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says an intense investigation is ongoing and it’s a sad for the capitol city…

Cut 3 (06) “…act of violence.” 

Coppola says they are talking with witnesses and examining cell phone video of the shooting. He says they are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual seen wearing red pants with a white strip down the leg and a gray shirt…

Cut 4 (07) “…man’s death”

A video released by the Baton Rouge Police department shows a large group of individuals fighting in the street, just off the Southern University campus. Coppola says there are a lot of unanswered questions…

Cut 5 (12)  “…possibilty.” 

______________________________________

LSU basketball Coach Will Wade calls Wayde Sims an unbelievable person during a tearful press conference, just hours after learning the 20-year-old Baton Rouge native was killed in a shooting.  Wade says everybody on the team loved Sims…

Cut 6 (11) “…be around.”

Athletic Director Joe Alleva calls today the worst day of his career…

Cut 7 (10) “…last night.”

Sims was a junior on the team. He played in 32 games last season and started 10 of them. He won three state championships at University High and was named the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year in the 2014-15. His father, Wayne Sims, played for Dale Brown at LSU from 1987-91. Wade says a player getting killed is a coach’s worst nightmare

Cut 8 (14) “…the toughest.”

__________________________

Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination vote to the US Supreme Court advanced to the full Senate, but may be delayed a week if an FBI investigation is authorized. Senator John Kennedy says after hearing from both Judge Kavanaugh and the woman who accused him of sexual assault, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, he’s decided to support the judge’s nomination.

cut 9 (12) “…was involved”

Senator Bill Cassidy expressed his support for the Kavanaugh on Twitter, calling for a final confirmation vote without further delays.

But Louisiana Democratic Party Chairperson Karen Carter Peterson says Kennedy was wrong to distrust Ford’s allegations. Peterson says Ford had nothing to gain from the allegations, and she believes her.

Cut 10 (12) “…a nominee”

Kennedy says he’s disgusted by what he calls political theatre that was on display during the hearings, and is ready to move on to a final confirmation vote.

Cut 11 (10)“…irreparably.”

Peterson says Kennedy and Cassidy’s support for the judge sends a terrible message to sexual assault survivors in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (13)   “…is wrong” 

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A Jefferson Davis Parish teenager is accused of shooting and killing a calf in the Iowa (Eye-oh-way) community.  Following an anonymous tip, investigators gathered sufficient evidence and charged a 14-year-old with criminal damage to property.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the teen’s legal issues don’t end there.

Cut 13 (05) “…cruelty to animals.”

Strain says the extent of teen’s punishment isn’t clear quite yet, but he will have to fork over money to the farmer.

Cut 14 (08) “…juvenile court system.”

Strain says the aggravated cruelty to animals charge comes as a result of the suffering that took place as the animal died.

Cut 15 (09) “…butchered or slaughtered.”

State Police say one of their Troopers used deadly force on a suspect in Hammond just before 1 AM this morning. Authorities identify the deceased suspect as 23-year-old Coltin Brennan Leblanc of Loranger. L-S-P says one of their troopers pulled LeBlanc’s vehicle over in the downtown area. A Hammond resident who witnessed the event while at a late night restaurant says it started as a normal traffic stop.

Cut 3 (11) “…took off.” 

That’s when the witness says just before the car got away, the Trooper wrapped an arm around one of the doors and was taken for a ride as the vehicle sped off down the street. Less than ten seconds later, the vehicle came to a stop and the witness says he heard shots fired.

Cut 4 (08) “…started firing”

After the dramatic incident, the witness says the officer and a bystander rushed to the vehicle to attempt to assist the driver.

Cut 5 (10)  “…ambulance over.” 

The suspected died shortly after arriving at North Oaks Hospital.

______________________________________

Four Louisiana State Police Troopers are recovering from injuries after a juvenile attempted to evade and flee from them in a police pursuit on LA Highway 1 that saw speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. LSP spokesperson Scott Moreau says it all started with a traffic stop on 18 year old Torie Lewis of Alexandria.  When Lewis stepped out of the vehicle, that’s when the action began.

Cut 6 (12) “…seat and fled.”
All three subjects were arrested.   Moreau says the second driver is facing the heftiest charges of the three.

Cut 7 (10) “…up to the judge.”
Moreau says the level of danger in the situation could have seen things end much worse.

Cut 8 (08) “…have to happen.”

__________________________

The Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a Louisiana Law that would require doctors at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. A law that included some similar language in Texas was shot down by the Supreme Court. Solicitor General Liz Murrill says Louisiana’s attempt at the law was more focused, and as a result, cleared the court challenge.

cut 9 (08) “…very gratifying.”

But Center for Reproductive Rights Senior Council TJ Tu says it’s a decision that fly’s in the face of the Supreme Courts previous decisions, and could make access to abortion in the Bayou State difficult to obtain.

Cut 10 (10) “…the state.”

Tu says across the nation abortion doctors can run into serious roadblocks when trying to obtain admitting privileges, and Louisiana is no different.

Cut 11 (10)“…stop providing.”

Admitting privileges for abortion doctors would allow them to admit a patient to a local hospital if they had a medical emergency during a procedure.

But Murrill says the clinics did a poor job proving requiring admitting privileges would be an undue burden for operation. She says there were contradictory statements about how difficult it is to actually obtain the privileges in the state.

Cut 12 (09)   “…hospital” 

The law will not go into effect immediately, and it is likely that the decision will be challenged or appealed, and could end up in front of the US Supreme Court.

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Disney Cruise Line announced they will start sailing out of the Port of New Orleans in 2020 during Mardi Gras season. The 27-hundred passenger Disney Wonder is scheduled for six different Caribbean and Bahamian cruises from February 7th to March 6th.  Port of New Orleans CEO Brandy Christian says they are thrilled with Disney’s decision

Cut 13 (08) “…for all of us.”

Port NOLA is the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States and is on pace to set a new cruise passenger record this year, with over one-million passengers. Christian says there is a reason why Disney chose to set sail from New Orleans during Mardi Gras…

Cut 14 (11) “…to New Orleans.”

Bookings start on October 4th. Disney Cruise Line spokesperson Yolanda Cane says there will be four, six and seven-night Western Caribbean cruises….

Cut 15 (12) “…Panama Canal”

At a 5.9 percent increase, Louisiana has seen a relatively strong growth in personal income in the second quarter of 2018, ranking second in the nation only to Texas at 6%.  The construction sector was responsible for most of the growth.  LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says two things really stick out.

Cut 3 (12) “…at the national level.” 

Scott says the oil industry seeing an uptick is also a contributing factor.

Cut 4 (10) “…a little bit.”

Scott says while the healthcare sector is seeing growth, it’s following a national trend.

Cut 5 (10)  “…to go up.” 

______________________________________

Most of the Zachary Fire Department emergency response team returned home last night from the Carolinas after a 14 day mission responding to floods and damage from Hurricane Florence in South Carolina. Chief Mike Kimble says Louisiana crews evacuated hundreds of people, and were responsible for saving the lives of six, including a few Carolina firemen.

Cut 6 (11) “…the vehicle.”

Three boats were dispatched and the men returned home safe.

Another rescue saw Louisiana emergency crews responding to a dangerous situation involving a flooded car full of people trying to escape the rising waters.

Cut 7 (11) “…those people.”

Kimble says Louisiana emergency response teams are quickly becoming veteran first responders who are called upon by state’s across the nation.

Cut 8 (09) “…South Carolina”

Kimble says twos of his team are still in South Carolina.

__________________________

Former soldier Ryan Taylor of New Llano has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison for manufacturing and detonating a chemical weapon at a Fort Polk training area. US Attorney David Joseph says a device containing chlorine gas exploded in the Kisatchie National Forest in April 2017. He says two responding soldiers inhaled the chlorine gas, had their military careers end because of the damage to their bodies…

cut 9 (06) “…shortness of breath”

Joseph says one of the former soldiers may need a lung transplant because of the damage from inhaling the chlorine gas. He says they don’t know Taylor’s motivation, but they know he liked constructing devices that would explode…

Cut 10 (10) “…kind of a bomb”

Taylor plead guilty in June for producing, possessing and using a chemical weapon. Joseph says the chemical weapon created by Taylor is banned under international and national laws because of the effects it can have on the human body. He says the two victims are pleased with the 135-month sentence…

Cut 11 (08)“…forever altered”

__________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards was in Lake Charles today for the dedication ceremony of the newly renovated two-mile runway at Chennault International Airport.  Edwards says the 18-million dollar renovation of this runway, which is one of the longest along the Gulf Coast,  is an investment into the future of the region.

Cut 12 (10)   “…for Lake Charles.” 

Chennault serves as a major hub for military and commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul employers, like Northrop Grumman and Citadel Completions. Edwards says the latest runway, taxiway and lighting improvements will enhance operations for existing tenants and help attract future tenants…

Cut 13 (10) “…of companies.”

While in Lake Charles, Edwards also welcomed the Houston Rockets to the area. The NBA team will hold training camp practice this week at the new on-campus arena at McNeese State University. Edwards says the Rockets are impressed with the new health and human performance complex…

Cut 14 (11) “…in the NBA.”

______________________