The latest campaign finance reports involving the candidates for the 2026 Senate show Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy with a large lead over his main challengers. Jeanne Burns has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

We’re expected to learn more this afternoon about a house fire in Shreveport that killed two children last week. Investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set and are looking for those who did it. Firefighters pulled an eight-year-old and a five-year-old from the house; but after a week-long battle, they did not survive.

Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams will be at the White House today. LSU-Shreveport wrapped up an undefeated season with an NAIA World Series title, while LSU won the College World Series in Omaha for the eighth time. LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says most of the team was able to make the trip.

Cut 11 (06) “…which is unfortunate.”

While LSU baseball continues to bask in championship glory, the football team’s chances of a title pretty much went up in smoke this weekend, thanks to a 31-24 loss to Vanderbilt. LSU had no answers for Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia (PAH-vee-ah), who threw for 160 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Brian Kelly says the goal was to prevent Pavia from beating them with his legs.

Cut 16 (13) “…good quarterback.”

State lawmakers will return to the state capitol on Thursday for a special session that will discuss delaying next year’s party primaries for the federal elections, because it’s possible the Supreme Court will rule the state’s current Congressional map is not constitutional. In an interview on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana, Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges says it’s unknown when the Supreme Court will rule on the state’s Congressional map and the possibility of going with an open primary election next year is on the table…

Cut 6 (08) “…open primary system”

Senator Bill Cassidy has reported nine-point-five million dollars in his campaign warchest for his re-election bid next year. Cassidy has drawn several well-known challengers because he voted in 2021 to impeach Donald Trump. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that vote has not Cassidy’s fundraising efforts…

Cut 9 (11)  “…next year.”

Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams visit the White House today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Many Louisiana football fans are down on their teams today. Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler turned it over four times in a 26-14 loss to the Chicago Bears. LSU fans are calling for Brian Kelly to be fired after losing to Vanderbilt for the first time in 35 years. UL-Lafayette and ULM also suffered losses at home.

The Louisiana Legislature returns to Baton Rouge on Thursday for a special session that could result in the pushing back of the qualifying period and the primary election dates for the 2026 federal elections. Advocate political reporter Tyler Bridge said on Talk Louisiana on WRKF that the U-S Supreme Court could rule the state’s current Congressional map is unconstitutional, but when that ruling will come down is unknown…

Cut 4 (11) “…coming up with.”

Qualifying for the federal elections are in January and they could be pushed back at least a month.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has reported nine-point-five million dollars in cash on hand for his re-election bid. Two of his main challengers, Blake Miguez and John Fleming each have two million dollars on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says having such a lead when it comes to campaign donations does not guarantee victory, but it’s a significant factor…

Cut 8 (08) “…for Cassidy.”

It was not a good weekend for most Louisiana football fans. It started with the Tigers losing to Vanderbilt for the first time in 35 years as the Commodores beat LSU 31-24 in Nashville. LSU had no answers for Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia. Coach Brian Kelly says the goal was to prevent Pavia from beating them with his legs…

Cut 16 (13) “…good quarterback.”

And then yesterday…the Saints lost to the Chicago Bears for the first time since 2008. It’s the fourth straight win for the Bears, who have been feasting on takeaways and they forced four more turnovers yesterday. Head Coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 14 (12) “…get it done today.”

The Saints are 1-6, their worst start since starting 1-7 in 1999.

Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has 9.5 million dollars in campaign funds as he gears up for his re-election bid. Two of Cassidy’s opponents, state Senator Blake Miguez and Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming report having two million dollars on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy continues to do well in getting donors to support his campaign…

Cut 7 (09) “…five or six million”

Cassidy’s other two challengers in the Republican party primary, P-S-C member Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish councilwoman Kathy Seiden have yet to report their donations for the third quarter.

The LSU Tigers and the LSU-Shreveport Pilots will be recognized for their national championships in baseball earlier this year with a ceremony this afternoon at the White House. LSU-S went a perfect 59-0. Athletics director Lucas Morgan…

Cut 13 (05) “…the White House”

The White House ceremony is at 3 PM central time.

A special session begins on Thursday at the state capitol, as lawmakers look at delaying next year’s party primaries for the federal elections. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A sad story out of north Louisiana as a 17-year-old from Monroe was killed when he was struck by lightning while hunting in Union Parish on Saturday. First responders found Colton Gauge Honeycutt inside an elevated deer stand in a remote wooded area.

A man living in the Lafayette area is now facing federal charges after being accused of assisting in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Federal prosecutors allege Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi provided, attempted to provide, or conspired to provide material support to the National Resistance Brigades, which is considered a foreign terrorist organization. al-Muhtadi is accused of travelling to the United States on a fraudulent visa.

A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish. Sheriff Leland Falcon was shot by a suspect in another shooting. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Sheriff Falcon was close to the scene when the call for assistance came down, so he responded.

Cut 6 (08) “…the left torso.”

Falcon was grazed by the suspect’s bullet, was briefly hospitalized and is doing fine. A deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was taken to the hospital.

——————————
A northeast Louisiana assistant police chief finds himself on the other side of the law. State Police arrested Rayville Assistant Police Chief Czyz (“chizh”) Williams for theft and malfeasance in office. Trooper Ryan Davis says Williams was selling department property and pocketing the money.

Cut 12 (08) “…for personal gain.”

With its famous namesake on hand, Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. President Dr. William Wainwright says it includes a newsroom, a film studio and a multimedia studio, giving students experience in all facets of broadcasting.

Cut 3 (13) “…also digital media.”

An assistant police chief in Richland Parish finds himself on the other side of the law after allegedly selling firearms that belonged to the police department. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

One person was injured in a shooting near White Castle High School last night. Officials with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office reported it happened on Bowi Street, which is not on school property and after the game between White Castle High and North Iberville High. We’re told the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

—————————————-

A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish Leland Falcon, as he responded to a 911 call and was shot by a shooting suspect. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says the suspect was shot by a deputy who returned fire. Cavalier says that suspect and the victim of the original shooting that led to the 911 call were taken to hospitals.

Cut 7 (14) “…with moderate injuries.”

As for the Sheriff, we’re told he was grazed by the bullet and is doing fine.

Hey, if scary is your thing, be sure to cast your vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com.  Site founder Jason Woo the Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans are both on the list. Voting is in the form of a six-round single-elimination tournament, until one emerges as the most haunted destination in the country.

Cut 11 (07) “…the next round.”

The first round of voting ends tonight at midnight.

The Assistant Police Chief in Rayville is facing charges of Theft and Malfeasance in Office this morning.  State Police says Czyz (“chizh”) Williams was selling department firearms and pocketing the money.  The good news is all the guns have been recovered. But Trooper Ryan Davis says there’s more to the accusations.

Cut 13 (12)  “…crime prevention programs.”

Southeastern Louisiana University officially opened its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center this week. President Dr. William Wainwright says the university is proud to have the name of one of its most prominent graduates attached to the new center and says Roberts has been instrumental in its construction.

Cut 4 (11) “…state facility renovation.”

Wainright says the new Media Center includes a newsroom, a film studio and a multimedia studio.

——————————-

A close call for one South Louisiana sheriff, as he was shot at by a suspect during a call. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

You can vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com. Site founder Jason Woo says two Louisiana destinations are among the 64 in the field – The Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans.

Cut 9 (04)  “…and different things.”

The first round of voting is open now and closes tonight at midnight.

A man living in the Lafayette area is now facing federal charges after being accused of assisting in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Federal prosecutors allege Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi provided, attempted to provide, or conspired to provide material support to the National Resistance Brigades, which is considered a foreign terrorist organization. al-Muhtadi is accused of travelling to the United States on a fraudulent visa.

A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish. Sheriff Leland Falcon was shot by a suspect in another shooting. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Sheriff Falcon was close to the scene when the call for assistance came down, so he responded.

Cut 6 (08) “…the left torso.”

Falcon was grazed by the suspect’s bullet, was briefly hospitalized and is doing fine. A deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was taken to the hospital.

——————————
A northeast Louisiana assistant police chief finds himself on the other side of the law. State Police arrested Rayville Assistant Police Chief Czyz (“chizh”) Williams for theft and malfeasance in office. Trooper Ryan Davis says Williams was selling department property and pocketing the money.

Cut 12 (08) “…for personal gain.”

With its famous namesake on hand, Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. President Dr. William Wainwright says it includes a newsroom, a film studio and a multimedia studio, giving students experience in all facets of broadcasting.

Cut 3 (13) “…also digital media.”

A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish, as he’s shot by a shooting suspect he was confronting. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Sheriff Leland Falcon was grazed by a bullet and is doing fine. One of Falcon’s deputies returned fire during the confrontation and hit the suspect. Cavalier says that suspect and the victim of the original shooting that led to the 911 call were taken to hospitals.

Cut 7 (14) “…with moderate injuries.”

The assistant police chief in Rayville, meanwhile, finds himself on the other side of the law. Czyz (“chizh”) Williams is accused of selling department firearms for his own gain and collecting donations for non-existent crime prevention programs and pocketing the money. State Police Trooper Ryan Davis says incidents like this erodes trust.

Cut 14 (04) “…we’re held to.”

Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. President Dr. William Wainwright says the university is proud to have the name of one of its most prominent graduates affixed to the facility, and she’s a main catalyst behind its construction.

Cut 4 (11) “…state facility renovation.”

You can vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com. Site founder Jason Woo says two Louisiana destinations are among the 64 in the field – The Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans.

Cut 9 (04)  “…and different things.”

The voting is in the form of a six-round single-elimination tournament, until one emerges as the most haunted destination in the country. First round voting is going on right now, and it ends on Saturday.

LSU looks to keep its SEC Title hopes going as the Tigers travel to Nashville to face No. 17 Vanderbilt. Head coach Brian Kelly says his team showed positive signs against South Carolina and must carry their momentum into Saturday.

CUT 21 (13): “move forward.”

Kickoff at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville is at 11 a.m.

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will face the Saints for the first time since being fired by the team in November last year. Allen says that he has lots of great memories in New Orleans, but winning on Sunday remains the main focus.

Cut 18 (17) “…challenge this week.”

Kickoff on Sunday at Soldier Field is at noon.

With an early Sun Belt conference loss, ULM will most likely have to win out if they want to contend for the Sun Belt Championship. Head coach Bryant Vincent says each game is a must win moving forward.

Cut 17 (21) “…out this year.”

The Warhawks will host Troy on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Southeastern will host Northwestern State on Saturday at 4 p.m.  as its homecoming for the Lions. Southeastern is looking to stay hot and the Demons are looking for their first win since week one.

UL-Lafayette will look to get back on track for its homecoming game as the Cajuns take on Southern Mississippi in Lafayette on Saturday at 4 p.m.

After a loss to Southeastern, McNeese is looking for a happy homecoming as the Cowboys host Houston Christian on Saturday at 6 p.m.