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. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Megan Williams says it has a 60 percent chance of development, but its path after that is a mystery.

Cut 3 (07) “…gunna go.” 

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

Judge Brett Kavanaugh has cleared the procedural vote necessary to get an official confirmation vote for his appointment to the US Supreme Court in the Senate tomorrow. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s comfortable voting for Kavanaugh after reading an FBI report about sexual assault allegations that he says cleared the judge.

Cut 9 (10) “…no corroboration.”

Senator John Kennedy says he plans on voting yes as well.

There will be no Drag Queen Story Time event this weekend. South Louisiana Community College agreed to host the program put on by the Lafayette library, but backed out yesterday, citing safety concerns and large crowds. Citizens for a New Louisiana Executive Director Michael Lunsford believes the city shouldn’t be exposing kids to those values.

Cut 13 (10)   “…year-olds.“

The event has been postponed indefinitely.

No. 5 LSU takes on a 22^nd ranked Florida team that’s rebounded nicely since dropping their first game in a shocker to Kentucky in week 1. They’ve rebounded on the back of a tough defense that just held Mississippi State to 6 points. Voice of the Tigers Chris Blair says the Gators can attack LSU’s offense at multiple levels.

Cut 15 (11)   “…spot on.”

Florida is third in the SEC East.

LSU heads into swampy, sticky central Florida Saturday afternoon to take on the surging Gators. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Grief counselors are on hand today at North Caddo Parish High School in Vivian following the death of long-time assistant football coach and special education teacher, 56-year-old Les Mason.  Mason was killed in a car wreck on his way to a special education training session in Shreveport when the accident happened yesterday.  Mason had worked at the school since 1998.

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.
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.

At this hour the U-S Senate is set to vote on whether to advance Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. If the procedural vote to end debate passes, then a final vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation will happen tomorrow.

Both of Louisiana’s U-S Senators plan on voting to confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court bench. Kennedy says he read the F-B-I report looking into allegations of sexual misconduct by Kavanaugh…
cut 8 (07) “…is innocent”
Bill Cassidy says FBI investigators interviewed 10 people related to the allegations and nothing new, no corroboration.

But nearly 200 female Louisiana lawyers have signed a petition urging Louisiana’s Senators to vote no against nominating Kavanaugh to the nation’s highest court. The petition says Judge Kavanaugh lacks judicial temperament based on his conduct during the September 27th hearing.

There will be no Drag Queen Story Time event this weekend. South Louisiana Community College agreed to host the program put on by the Lafayette library, but backed out yesterday, citing safety concerns and large crowds. A UL Lafayette fraternity planned on reading 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”
But one supporter of the Drag Queens told the Lafayette Parish City Council that opposition from religious leaders is hypocritical…
cut 12 (11) “….on that”
Until a venue can be secured for the event. Drag Queen Story time has been postponed indefinitely.

Louisiana’s Republican U-S Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy say the F-B-I investigation found no corroboration in the sexual assault claims made against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Cassidy says unless you speak to the two accusers, Kavanaugh continues to be a man of sterling character. He says much of what has taken place is unfair to many people.
Cut 10 (11) “…the American people.“
Today, the Senate plans to vote to end the debate on the Kavanaugh nomination with a full floor, final vote on Saturday.

The LSU Board of Supervisors say they support the new admission standards the university has put in place, which relaxes a long-standing policy that sudents have to achieve a minimum A-C-T score. The board also approved a slight raise and contract extension for LSU President F King Alexander.

It’s unknown when the Drag Queen Story time will take place in Lafayette after South Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing safety concerns. Matt Doyle reports there’s a large part of the community who is glad the Lafayette library program will not take place on Saturday as originally scheduled…
voicer 2 (22) “…”Matt Doyle”

22nd ranked Florida hosts 5th ranked LSU on Saturday in a big SEC match-up. Voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, says the Gators defense is one of the best in the league….
cut 15 (11) “…spot on”
Kick-off is at 2:30.

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.