LRN AM Newscall October 5 ####Major changes in cut 9 including new soundbite###

The two Republican senators of Louisiana have expressed their satisfaction with the findings of the 5-day FBI investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been postponed after hosts say they grew concerned about safety. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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 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”

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The Louisiana Department of Health recently released its voluntary non-opioid directive form as a new tactic in combatting opioid abuse.  Those who sign the form pledge 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.”

Petersen says although Louisiana ranks as one of the worst states for feeling the effect of the opioid epidemic, the state is seeing progress in the fight against the use of the drugs.

Cut 5 (05)  “…in that area.” 

Petersen says although the prescription rate for the drugs is going down, the deaths in the state are still going up.

Cut 6 (09) “…the use of heroin.”

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The two Republican senators of Louisiana have expressed their satisfaction with the findings of the 5-day FBI investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  Senator John Kennedy, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, says after reading through the report, he wishes the report could be public.

Cut 7 (08) “…involved in this.”

Kennedy says no one directed the FBI in the investigation and that the agency made its own decisions in the report.  He also says such acts of misconduct are a problem that needs to be dealt with and hopes that the Republican Party is willing to take the lead.

Cut 8 (07) “…Kavanaugh is innocent.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says after reading the FBI report, the claims of sexual misconduct against Judge Kavanaugh are unfounded…

Cut 9 (10) “…no corroboration.”

Cassidy says there is blame to be put on Senator Dianne Feinstein for not turning over the letter written to her by Dr. Christine Ford detailing the allegations to the FBI sooner.  He says much what has taken place since 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.

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Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been put on hold after Southern Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing concerns for the safety of its students and other visitors. The event has been a growing source controversy in the city and was set to run tomorrow. 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 event, where Drag Queens will read stories to children about accepting their LGBTQ classmates, is seeking a new location. It was originally set to run at the Lafayette Public Library and is still an official library event.

Story Time has led to some heated City-Parish Council Meetings, as well as petitions calling for city leaders to stop the plan, but the Council voted against denouncing the event. One supporter of the Drag Queens says the opposition from city religious leaders has been hypocritical.

Cut 12 (11)   “…on that.”

But opponents say the event is highly inappropriate for children, and shouldn’t be supported by the library. Citizens for a New Louisiana Executive Director Michael Lunsford believes the city shouldn’t be exposing children to those values.

Cut 13 (10)   “…year-olds.“

Lunsford says Drag Queens are adult entertainment and not for children.

Cut 14 (08)   “…adult world”

Story Time is being put on by a UL-Lafayette fraternity.

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No. 5 LSU takes on a 22nd 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.

You wouldn’t call the Gator’s offense explosive, in fact, they actually sit just below LSU as the 10th in the SEC, but Blair says they’ve found a way to move the ball without needing to stretch defenses.

Cut 16 (11) “.. the bubble screen.” 

Fellieipe Franks, the Gator quarter back, has only thrown for 961 yards with a 57 percent completion rate, but he sports the fifth highest QB Rating in the conference.

And it wouldn’t be a Florida LSU game without some special team’s trickery either. Whether it’s Jump Passes, or fake field goals, the rivalry is riddled with infamous plays that’ve turned the tide in tight games in past eras. That being said, Blair doesn’t really see that happening considering how much both coaches trust their defenses.

Cut 17 (07)  “obviously Cole Tracy.” 

The game kicks off at 2:30 PM in Gainesville.

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After picking up a huge road win over North Texas to begin Conference USA play on Saturday, the Bulldogs are back in Joe Aillet Stadium tomorrow night to host UAB. The Blazers are also 1-0 in league play and they beat Tech in Birmingham last season 23-22. Coach Skip Holtz says his players remember that game…

Cut 18 (19) “…in UAB” 

Jaylon Ferguson was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after registering four sacks last week against North Texas. Holtz says he’ll be surprised if Ferguson can get four sacks again, because the Blazers like to run the football…

Cut 19 (14) “..this week” 

Holtz says J’Mar Smith continues to grow as a quarterback…

Cut 20 (21) “his feet” 

530PM LRN News

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.

4:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 4

After losing to Kentucky for the first time in over three decades, Florida has bounced back to beat SEC foes Tennessee and Mississippi State and boast a 4-1 record heading into Saturday’s game against 5th ranked LSU. Gators Coach Dan Mullen says his team better be ready for a physical game…
Cut 16 (14) “.. right now.”
Florida has been winning with its defense, which leads the SEC in pass defense, allowing just 140 yards through the air. They’ve also held teams to just 14 points a game.

After a little break, the Saints are back at practice facility for Monday’s game against Washington. The Redskins are playing well on defense. Through three games they are giving up just 15 points a game, 187 yards through the air and 278 total yards of offense. The Saints just had one of their more balanced games on offense between the run and the pass.

Since winning the season opener against Grambling State, UL Lafayette has lost three straight heading into Saturday’s Sun Belt contest against Texas State. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says consistency has been the big problem…
cut 20 (19) “…get fixed”
Kick-off in San Marcos, Texas is at 6 PM.

In other action this weekend, Louisiana Tech is back home on Saturday night to host UAB. The Bulldogs coming off a big win over North Texas. McNeese looks to improve to 5-1 when they host Abilene Christian and Northwestern State hosts Nicholls State at six o’ clock. The Demons next three out of four are at home.

4:30 PM Newscast

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” 

330PM LRN News

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.

230PM LRN News

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.

LRN PM Newscall October 4

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”

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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”  

1:30 LRN Newscast

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”

1230PM LRN News

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”

11:30 AM Newscast

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. 1st 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.