Louisiana’s Republican U-S Senators say an F-B-I report confirms Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is innocent of the sexual misconduct allegations made against him. John Kennedy wishes the report could be made public…
cut 7 (08) “…..in this”
Senate Democrats call the investigation a complete sham and nearly 200 female Louisiana lawyers have signed a petition urging Kennedy and Bill Cassidy to vote against Kavanaugh’s nomination.

The Louisiana Department of Health has a new tool when it comes to the fight agaist opioid abuse. L-D-H Deputy Assistant Secretary Janice Peterson says you can sign a form that lets your physician know that you do not want any opioid medications as part of your treatment. Peterson says they are starting to see some results in their battle against opioid abuse…
cut 5 (05) “…that area”

Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been postponed after South Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing safety concerns. Male college students dressed in drag were set to read stories to young children tomorrow. The event has been a source of controversy. A doctor who supports Story Time says public showcases of tolerance are important for young people who may be LGBTQ.
Cut 11 (13) “…their teens.”
The Lafayette library says they still plan on having the Drag Queen Story Time event, when they find a venue.

The Swamp is the venue for Saturday’s SEC showdown between Florida and LSU. The Voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, says the Gators do not have an explosive offense, but they can cause problems for the Tigers defense with their athleticism at the skill positions…
cut 16 (11) “…bubble screens”
Kick off is at 2:30.

After reviewing the F-B-I report, Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy plan on voting to confirm Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Cassidy says the investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against the Judge are unfounded…
cut 9 (10) “…no corroboration”
A key procedural vote takes place today and it’s likely the U-S Senate will confirm Kavanaugh tomorrow.

Drag Queen Story Time set for Saturday at South Louisiana Community College in Lafayette has been postponed after the school decided not to hold the event as planned, because of safety concerns and large crowds. Citizens for a New Louisiana Executive Director Michael Lunsford is pleased with the news…
cut 13 (10) “….three-year-olds”
The Lafayette Library planned the event that called for male UL Lafayette college students reading to children in drag.

The Louisiana Department of Health recently released its voluntary non-opioid directive form as a new tactic in combating opioid abuse. Those who sign the form pledge to refuse the offer or administration of opioid medications. Dr. Janice Petersen with LDH says the form is meant to be used by patients as a communication tool with care providers.
Cut 4 (11) “…explain their situation.”
Opioid abuse has become a public health crisis for Louisiana, with the number of deaths more than doubling from 2011 to 2015.

Gas prices are on the rise, the highest autumn prices since 2014.  If you expected a break between now and the holidays, Kevin Barnhart has some tough news for you.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

The Orleans Parish Coroner Office says the death of 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, whose body was pulled from Lake Pontchartrain in August, was an accidental drowning. At the time she went missing, the case was investigated as a potential homicide by NOPD. Her companion who was also on the boat was rescued and survived the ordeal.

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.

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. Governor Edwards says it’s a solid come back for a facility that used to employ thousands.

Cut 7 (06) “…at Avondale”

The shipyard shut down back in 2014 after a long and distinguished history where it was home to the construction of many of the naval vessels that patrolled the seas during the cold war.

Louisiana health insurance shoppers now have the option of buying new, cheaper, but potentially far less comprehensive plans in the marketplace. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Orleans Parish Coroner Office has released its findings in the death of 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, whose body was pulled from Lake Pontchartrain in August after her companion was rescued and his sailboat found unoccupied in the lake.  At the time she went missing, the case was investigated as a potential homicide by NOPD.  Now the coroner’s report indicates Thibodeaux died of accidental drowning.

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

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

Cut 10 (09) “…south and north” 

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. 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, but Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says you may not get that with these new plans.

Cut 5 (09)  “…health insurance.” 

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

And Southern Louisiana Community College, the location that was set to hold Drag Queen Story Time has backed out of hosting the event stating a concern about the safety of students and other visitors to the campus. Story time was set to move from the Lafayette Public Library to SLCC after a surge of interest in the event where drag queens will read stories to children about the importance of accepting their LGBTQ classmates. The Lafayette City-Parish Council did not pass a resolution that would have denounced the event.

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 Avondale”

The shipyard shut down back in 2014.

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 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.

Gas prices are on the rise, seeing the highest autumn prices since 2014.  If you were expecting a break between now and the holidays, Kevin Barnhart has some tough news for you.

Cut 2 (30)

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. 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.”…

The 254 acre site was purchased by T. Parker Host and Hilco Redevelopment in a joint venture.

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.

New 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.

Louisiana health insurance shoppers now have the option of buying new, cheaper, but potentially far less comprehensive plans in the marketplace….
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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.”

Governor John Bel Edwards believes two-thousand new jobs can be created at the old Avondale shipyard in Jefferson Parish now that it has new owners, Avondale Marine LLC . That group plans to redevelop the site into a massive shipping hub. Edwards says the Avondale Shipyard, which at one time employed 26-thousand workers, is beginning a new era…
cut 7 (06) “…at Avondale”
The shipyard has been closed since 2014.

At nearby Elmer’s Island, a decision has been made to nix a proposed air strip on the island, which has a protected wildlife refuge. L-D-W-F supported the airstrip, because it would increase recreational access to Elmer’s Island and make it easier for their biologists to get to their research lab and oyster hatchery. The mayor of Grand Isle also believed the project would result in more tourism. But Cynthia Duet with the Audubon Institute is glad all sides thought better of the idea…
Cut 11 (10)“…Wildlife refuge”

A buyer has purchased the Avondale Shipyard, 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 seconds, at Avondale

The shipyard shut down back in 2014.

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 it fills a gap in cover for some upper-middle class familes

Cut 4 (09) “…our state.″

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

Louisiana soybean farmers are facing a major issue as storage silos are full and they are having issues finding places to store their crops before they can be shipped. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

With the recent trade negotiations with China who buys 60 percent of US soybeans, having disrupted shipping lanes, as well as a higher yield from farmers, soybean storage silos are full and Louisiana farmers are having issues finding places to store their crops before they can be shipped. Congressman Ralph Abraham says if this isn’t resolved quickly, the consequences could be dire.

Cut 6 (12) “…this thing resolved.”

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.

A 50-year-old Slaughter woman is headed to trial in Baton Rouge facing First Degree Murder charges in the death of her boyfriend Damian Skipper who she allegedly poisoned to death with barium in 2015. Meshell Hale received 10,000 dollars in life insurance as a result of Skipper’s death, which was initially ruled natural causes until Hale was linked a year later to the suspicious death of her husband. 1^st Degree Murder isn’t all that common, but Moore says in this case…

Cut 14 (08)   “…this person”

A warrant for her arrest showed her phone search history littered with questions like, “How common is Barium poisoning?” and “How bad does Barium taste, truly?”

Shreve Memorial Library in Shreveport says a book borrowed 84 years ago has been returned by the son of the woman who checked it out when she was 11.  The copy of “Spoon River Anthology” was in pretty rough shape, so it’s probably not worth much.  The book was found while cleaning house.  The library’s maximum late fee is $3, but that was waived.

The Secretary of State’s office is warning of scammers trying to collect voter information through phone calls.  The callers would get in touch with potential victims and ask for information in order to register to vote or to receive an absentee ballot.  Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin…

Cut 7 (07) “…do nefarious things.”
A 50-year-old Meshell Hale of the town of Slaughter is headed to trial in Baton Rouge facing First Degree Murder charges in the death of her boyfriend Damian Skipper who she allegedly poisoned to death with barium in 2015. And that may not be the only barium poisoning Hale is eventually linked to. New Orleans Police are investigating the death of her husband Arthur Noflin, whose charred remains were found in the back of a burned out truck in 2016. Hale was in line to collect 750,000 dollars of insurance money in that case. Moore says they’re on the case.
Cut 15 (11)   “…to investigate.”

With recent trade negotiations having disrupted the usual shipping lanes for soybeans as well as a higher yield from farmers, storage silos are full and Louisiana farmers are having issues finding places to store their crops before they can be shipped. Congressman Ralph Abraham says among the suggestions he’s presented to the USDA, he says it may be time to reach out to private farmers of other crops to use their empty storage facilities.

Cut 5 (08)  “…offload them all.” 

Abraham says if this isn’t resolved quickly, the consequences could be dire. China usually buys 60 percent of U-S soybeans, but heavy tariffs on the crop have kept them from going to Asia.

A Bossier Parish School Board member and two others have been indicted on federal charges related to unlawful distribution of anabolic steroids. Michael Mosura, the District 5 rep on the Bossier school board is facing one count of conspiracy related to the distribution of anabolic steroids.  Morusa was elected to the school board in 2002 and is currently running for re-election unopposed.