With the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, the nation’s highest court now has a conservative working majority, as Kavanaugh replaces a more moderate justice, Anthony Kennedy. This could lead to a restriction in abortion rights. But Louisiana Right to Life executive director Ben Clapper says nothing is guaranteed until a Justice makes its first ruling….
cut 8 (06) “…the position”
The newly constituted court could expand gun rights and rein in federal regulations.

Less than a month to go for the special election for Secretary of State on November sixth, the nine candidates running for that position have yet to build up significant name recognition. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 11 (08) “…high profile candidate”
Six of the candidates will appear at the Baton Rouge Press Club today.

Tropical Storm Michael is expected to become a hurricane today as it moves into the southern Gulf of Mexico. Michael is NOT a threat to Louisiana, but a hurricane watch is posted for the Florida panhandle and Florida’s Big Bend region.

Drew Brees will chase history tonight as he hones in on the record for most career passing yards as New Orleans hosts Washington. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.”

This afternoon the U.S. Senate will a vote on the nomination of Federal Judge Brett Kavanaugh to sit on the Supreme Court.

Baton Rouge attorney Jill Craft does not support Kavanaugh’s nomination.

Craft says last year’s confirmation proceedings of Neil Gorsuch when compared to Kavanaugh is a testament to the current 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 and Senator John Kennedy also supports the nomination.

And speaking of voting, anyone looking for a nearby Registrar of Voters office in order to personally add their name to Louisiana’s voter rolls only has until Tuesday, October 9th to do so, in time to cast a ballot at the polls on November 6th.

Although Monday is a federal holiday, it is not a state holiday so Registrar of Voters offices are scheduled to be open.

However, if a person misses the Tuesday deadline, they can register until October 16th by visiting the Geaux (that’s g-e-a-u-x) Vote Online Registration System.

Weather watchers are keeping a close eye on an area of low pressure that’s currently just east of Belize, in western Caribbean.

That’s because the National Weather Service gives it a 90 percent odds it will strengthen into a Tropical Storm when it moves northward into the Gulf of Mexico.

Although the precise path it will take is not yet known, it should affect weather throughout the gulf coast.

Today is the opening of squirrel and rabbit season in Louisiana. Hunters throughout that state with the proper licenses are now allowed to take to the outdoors to aim for rabbits and squirrels.

The first Saturday in October traditionally marks the start of the resident small game season for sports hunting.

Hunters can begin shooting a half hour before sunrise and continue until a half hour after sunset each day of the season starting today through February 28th.

Even though there are thousands of these speedy animals in the forests and woodlands of the state, hunters should note that the daily bag limit is 8 rabbits and also 8 squirrels and the procession limit is 24 for both animals according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Forecasters say a tropical depression is likely to form when a broad area of low pressure moves northward from the western Caribbean into the Gulf of Mexico.

There’s a 90 percent chance predicted it will become a tropical depression over the weekend over the warm gulf waters.

National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Megan Williams says but its destination is a mystery.

Cut 3 (07) “…gunna go.”

If it strengthens into a tropical storm, it could be named ‘Michael’ since that is the next name to be given out to tropical storms.

Governor John Bel Edwards traveled to Los Angeles this week to promote more film and television productions coming to Louisiana.

The governor met with movie studios including Sony Pictures, Universal, and Warner Brothers as well as TV networks and streaming services including Netflix and Hulu among others.

An economic impact study said tax credits for film productions in Louisiana amounted to about 219 million in 2016.

NOLA.com reports six TV series and seven feature films are currently shooting in the state.
Congressman Ralph Abraham says the US has sealed the deal on a huge rice sell to Iraq. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The Senate is set to vote on the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh this afternoon. But a petition signed by almost 200 woman attorneys asked U.S. Senators from Louisiana to vote no.

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

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

The Senate has a Saturday vote scheduled on the nomination of Supreme Court Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

However, almost 200 female Louisiana lawyers signed a petition urging the state’s two US Senators to vote against the nomination. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The National Weather Service predicts a 90% chance that the low pressure conditions in the west Caribbean will become a tropical depression over the weekend which could lead to a hurricane.

National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Megan Williams says the conditions are still exist.

Cut 5 (10) “…a possibility.”

Iraq is set to buy 90,000 tons of American grown rice. That deal that more than triples the amount of the original request pushed by Congressman Ralph Abraham and others.

That’s huge for Louisiana, which produces more rice than any other state. Abraham says the Iraqi appetite is growing…

cut 9 (08) “…United States”

The LSU tigers will take on the Florida Gators this afternoon to a sold out stadium officially titled the Ben Hill Stadium but nicknamed “The Swamp.”

Both teams will seek victory and if the tigers are successful against the gators, it will be their second SEC win at an opponent’s venue.

Florida is currently ranked 22nd while LSU is ranked 5th in the standings.

After missing the last two games, LSU left tackle Sahdiq Charles is expected to return to the field, but left guard Garrett Brumfield is not expected to play.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says the US has sealed the deal on a huge rice sell to Iraq. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette will not take place as scheduled tomorrow after South Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing crowd and safety concerns. The program, where Drag Queens were set to read stories to kids about accepting their LGTBQ classmates, has now been indefinitely postponed by the Lafayette Public Library as a result. The event organizers, an UL Lafayette fraternity have indicated they will possibly seek out a new location.

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

Cut 5 (10)  “…a possibility.” 

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

cut 8 (07) “…in Claiborne Parish.”

There’s a chance a tropical depression could be forming in the southern Gulf of Mexico over the weekend, or early next week. The batch of weather is currently a low pressure system in the Caribbean Sea. Some early models have it tracking over Florida once it enters the Gulf, but if it does makes its way here National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Megan Williams says it could bring with it some nasty weather.
Cut 4 (06) “…rainfall.″

It’s been six months since the disappearance of a 4 year old in Claiborne Parish.  Rondriez “Junior” Phillips wandered off while his step father was working on a car in the family’s yard on April 5^th, and the search still continues with a reward offered by the FBI for information that helps find him.  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.”

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 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.

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.” 
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says Kavanaugh has shown excellent temperament as a judge.

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.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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. 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.

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.”

Phillips was outside with his step father, who was working on a vehicle, when he went missing.

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.” 

Some early models have it tracking over Florida once it enters the Gulf.

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 just because it’s October doesn’t mean were out of the woods yet.

Cut 5

There is now a high chance it will develop into a depression.

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, saying he lacks the temperament necessary of a federal judge. Baton Rouge Attorney Jill Craft says Kavanaugh lacks the temperament of Justices like Neil Gorsuch.

Cut 14 (08) “…have the baggage.”

Senator’s Kennedy and Cassidy praised the judge, and say they plan on voting to confirm him tomorrow.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says the US has sealed the deal on a huge rice sell to Iraq. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette will not take place as scheduled tomorrow after South Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing crowd and safety concerns. The program, where Drag Queens were set to read stories to kids about accepting their LGTBQ classmates, has now been indefinitely postponed by the Lafayette Public Library as a result. The event organizers, an UL Lafayette fraternity have indicated they will possibly seek out a new location.

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

U-S Representative Ralph Abraham says Louisiana rice farmers should be celebrating today, because the Republican Congressman says Iraq has agreed to purchase 200 million pounds of rice from the United States. Abrham says this could lead to even more large scale rice deals…
cut 11 (08) “…good thing”
Louisiana is the top rice producing state in the country.

There will be no Drag Queen Story Time event on Saturday. South Louisiana Community College agreed to host the program sponsored by the Lafayette library, but backed out yesterday, citing safety concerns with anticipated large crowds. Members of a UL Lafayette fraternity planned to read to children, while dressed in drag. Michael Lunsford of Citizens for a New Louisiana has been a vocal critic of the event…
cut 14 (08) “…adult world”
Drag Queen story time has been postponed indefinitely, until a venue can be secured for the event.

It’s been six months since 4-year-old Junior Phillips vanished from his Claiborne Parish home. Despite an extensive search in the days following his disappearance, Phillips remains missing. Sheriff Ken Bailey says law enforcement wishes those close to Phillips would provide more information…
cut 7 (10) “….not say anything”
Phillips was outside with his step father, who was working on a vehicle, when he went missing.

There’s a chance a tropical depression could be forming in the southern Gulf of Mexico over the weekend, or early next week. The batch of weather is currently a low pressure system in the Caribbean Sea. Some early models have it tracking over Florida once it enters the Gulf, but if it does makes its way here National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Megan Williams says it could bring with it some nasty weather.

Cut 4 (06) “…rainfall.″

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

It’s been six months since the disappearance of a 4 year old in Claiborne Parish.  Rondriez “Junior” Phillips wandered off while his step father was working on a car in the family’s yard 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 although the tips do still come in, they aren’t coming in as often.

Cut 6 (06)  “…already knew about.”

Both parents of the child have seen legal troubles with arrests since the disappearance.

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.

Here’s a look at your commodities…