The Louisiana Department of Health advises the public not to use tap water to clean and store contact lenses to avoid getting a rare but serious eye infection. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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It was by a much smaller margin than originally anticipated; but nevertheless, Julia Letlow will be the next U.S. Senator from Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In a race decided by 25-thousand votes, Republican Julia Letlow has been elected U.S. Senator. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is urging the public not to use tap water for nasal rinsing or to clean or store contact lenses to prevent a rare but serious amoeba infection. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says there have been ten cases of Acanthamoeba (uh-kan-thuh-MEE-buh) infections since 2024.

Cut 4 (12) “…wear contact lenses”

Sokol says in five of the cases, the eye infection resulted in permanent vision loss.

Sokol says two serious infections have been reported this year, including one involving the brain that was fatal. Both patients had weakened immune systems and reported using tap water in nasal irrigation devices.

Cut 5 (10) “…infection with Acantahamoeba”

Sokol says these infections are rare, but proper precautions can reduce the risk. That includes using the right type of water for nasal rinsing and following proper contact lens hygiene.

Cut 6 (08) “…permanent vision loss.”

Sokol says drinking tap water is not considered a risk for Acanthamoeba.

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While gas prices are starting to come down, they’re still much more expensive than they were last year. According to Triple-A Louisiana, the current statewide average is just under $3.70 a gallon. That’s about a quarter cheaper than a month ago, but about $1.10 more than the statewide average at this time last year. Don Redman with Triple-A says as has been the case all year long, Iran has a lot to do with these high gas prices.

Cut 7 (11) “…after the midterm.”

Redman says the price of crude is coming down, with prices now under 100 dollars a barrel.

Cut 8 (13) “…$2.61 a gallon.”

Redman says the price of diesel is also coming down – $5.75 a gallon, 13 cents cheaper from a month ago.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the new year.”

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It ended up being by a much smaller margin than originally expected. Nonetheless, Julia Letlow beat Jamie Davis in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, keeping that Senate seat in the Republican party. While many had expected Letlow to win by double digits, her final margin of victory ended up being only two points – 51 to 49 percent. Out of 1.46-million votes cast, Letlow beat Davis by less than 26-thousand votes. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says in the end, it ended up being more interesting for the Letlow campaign than what they had hoped for.

Cut 10 (13) “…support for Republicans.”

Hogan says while this race did not result in a win for the Democrats, this is one which they can build on, especially given the lack of financial support it received from the national Democratic party. Hogan says while Davis will not be going to Washington, his strong showing may indicate that this won’t be the last Louisiana has heard from him.

Cut 11 (09) “…in statewide office.”

As for the congressional races, the four incumbents – Steve Scalise, Troy Carter, Clay Higgins and Mike Johnson – all won their open primaries outright. Districts five and six will be decided in runoffs, both of which will feature a Republican and a Democrat. In District Six, Republican Blake Miguez will go up against Democrat Chauna Banks. Hogan says while Miguez will be heavily favored in the runoff, his showing in the primary could open the door a sliver for Banks.

Cut 12 (10) “…that were cast.”

And in District Five, Democrat Pat Moore will face Republican Gabe Firment.

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Julia Letlow is the state’s first Republican woman to be elected to the U-S Senate as she narrowly defeated her Democratic opponent, Jamie Davis. Letlow will leave her seat in the U.S. House to replace Bill Cassidy.

Cut 13 (14)  “…my prayer.”

Letlow won by only 25-thousand votes. A stunning result considering she was expected to win easily after the primary races concluded in May. Her victory came on a night where the Democratic Party took back control of the U.S. House and Senate.

Letlow was first elected to Congress in 2021 after the passing away of her husband Luke Letlow, who died from complications from Covid days before he was set to be sworn in as Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressional representative. Julia Letlow says she decided to get into politics because of her young children.

Cut 14 (13) “…without hope.”

Davis nearly pulled off a remarkable victory. He was a political unknown, a farmer from Tensas Parish, who led a grassroots campaign that picked up momentum as President Trump’s approval ratings fell. Davis says he’s not done fighting for what every citizen in this state deserves.

Cut 15 (12) “…to ask”

Davis finished his concession speech by saying that Governor Jeff Landry has been put on a notice, a hint that he may run for governor next year.

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UL Lafayette will host South Alabama as the Cajuns look to get back on track after the bye week. Both teams are 2-and-2 in conference play and need a win to stay alive in the race for the Sun Belt West. ULL coach Michael Desormeaux says the Jaguars are a tough opponent.

Cut 16 (18) “…and win.”

Desormeaux says there is still a lot of season left and their two close losses do not define the team. He says the defense could get a boost with the potential return of redshirt senior safety Collin Jacob on Saturday. Jacob had 29 tackles in 5 games before suffering an injury against Arkansas State.

Cut 17 (16) “…our defense.”

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It’s Bama week for LSU. This game is where Tigers legends are born for many fans, and this year’s matchup has as high of stakes as any as both teams fight to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race. Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt has been electric the last few weeks, but he knows this could be a legacy-defining game.

Cut 18 (15)  “…special experience.”

Not only is this the most important game Lane Kiffin’s Tigers have faced this season, it also comes against their most talented opponent so far. Leavitt says it will be a big test for the LSU offense, but one he is looking forward to.

Cut 19 (12) “…against them.”

Leavitt says his hamstring is back to 100-percent after the week off, and he feels as good as he has all season.

Alabama was somewhat shockingly ranked fifth in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season while LSU came in at 14th. Just outside the 12-team playoff, the Tigers have critical matchups with three teams in the top 15 this month, but Leavitt says he is not paying attention to the numbers next to the names.

Cut 20 (15) “…moment at hand.”

Polls are open for a couple more hours. Can Jamie Davis pull off the upset in the U.S. Senate race?  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The outcome of the Senate race was thrown into question in part because of a pair of polls that show Davis and Letlow tied. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling says if the Letlow campaign had a poll that showed her way ahead, it would have released it.

Cut 5 (09) “…to me.”

The sixth congressional district race is among the most closely watched ones here in Louisiana, with 10 candidates – six Republicans, three Democrats and one Libertarian – seeking to succeed Cleo Fields, who declined to run for re-election. At a candidate forum in Baton Rouge yesterday, Republican Michael Mebruer highlighted one excise tax he would eliminate that he says would in turn bring the cost of consumer goods down.

Cut 12 (09) “…the U.S. economy.”

As much as that seat is expected to flip to the Republicans, the House as a whole will in all likelihood flip to the Democrats. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says flipping that chamber would cost Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise the speakership and the majority leadership, respectively.

Cut 6 (12) “…the Republican party.”

The U-S Senate race is receiving most of the headlines on this election day in Louisiana. There are some polling firms calling it a toss up or dead heat between Democrat Jamie Davis and Republican Julia Letlow. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says Letlow needs her base to match what Davis will receive in Orleans Parish…

Cut 4 (10) “…comes into play.”

The cost of gas and groceries has been a popular topic during the federal election campaigns. In Louisiana’s Sixth congressional district, Democrat Pat Forbes and Libertarian Rufus Craig each said ending the war in Iran would bring those prices down…

Cut 10 (06) “….else comes down”

Democrat Chauna Banks also shares that sentiment. The two most well known candidates in the race, Republican state lawmakers Rick Edmonds and Blake Miguez did not show up at this forum.

If Democrats take control of the House as they’re widely expected to do, that could have a profound effect on Louisiana’s influence in the lower chamber. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Last month we reported the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge was evacuated after receiving a letter containing white powder. The man allegedly responsible for the act has been charged in federal court in Oklahoma. Federal authorities accuse Robin Martin of sending hundreds of letters containing nonhazardous white powder to public officials ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections.

The polling places are hopping with voters casting their ballots at this hour. The Secretary of State’s Office is projecting a voter turnout today of 48 to 52-percent, which would be high for a midterm election. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling expects the percentage of Black voters will be 30-percent or higher.

Cut 3 (12) “…White Hot”

Based on national polls, Democrats are a virtual lock to regain control of the House of Representatives. That would mean Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise would no longer be speaker and majority leader, respectively. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics-dot-com says there’s one incumbent Louisiana congressman poised to win re-election today who could greatly benefit from a Democratic majority.

Cut 8 (11) “…are in control.”

Of the congressional races, the one in the newly-redrawn sixth district is getting a great deal of attention. Six Republicans, three Democrats and a Libertarian are on the open primary ballot, seeking to replace Cleo Fields, who decided not to seek re-election after his district was redrawn. Yesterday in a forum at the Baton Rouge Press Club, I asked the seven candidates who showed up what they would do to bring consumer prices down. Democrat Chauna Banks says soaring prices can be traced to two things.

Cut 9 (11)  “…were our allies.”

Two Republicans on the panel, Stephen Wagley and Larry Davis, said the solution involves cutting down on wasteful spending.

Cut 11 (14) “…care of them.”

Election Day has arrived, can Democrat Jamie Davis pull off the upset in the U.S. Senate race?  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The outcome of the Senate race was thrown into question in part because of a pair of polls that show Davis and Letlow tied. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling says if the Letlow campaign had a poll that showed her way ahead, it would have released it.

Cut 5 (09) “…to me.”

Of the congressional races, the one in the newly-redrawn sixth district is getting a great deal of attention, as six Republicans, three Democrats and a Libertarian are on the open primary ballot. Yesterday in a forum at the Baton Rouge Press Club, I asked the seven candidates who showed up what they would do to bring consumer prices down. Republican Michael Mebruer highlighted one excise tax he would eliminate that would in turn bring the cost of consumer goods down.

Cut 12 (09) “…the U.S. economy.”

Democrat Pat Forbes and Libertarian Rufus Craig expressed a different point of view. Both said high prices can be directly attributed to President Trump’s tariffs and the war in Iran.

Cut 10 (06) “…else comes down.” 

The polls are open until eight o’clock; if you’re already in line by then, you will be able to cast a ballot.

It’s Election Day. Polls are open until eight p-m; and if you’re already in line at eight o’clock, you will be able to cast a ballot and have your voice be heard. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says with more than 45-hundred candidates competing in more than 25-hundred contests throughout the state you’re urged to look up your sample ballot on GeauxVote-dot-com or on the GeauxVote app.

Cut 26 (14) “…ahead of time.”

The U-S Senate race is getting much of the headlines and a close race is expected. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says Republican Julia Letlow will need her base to match what her Democratic opponent Jamie Davis does in Orleans Parish…

Cut 4 (10) “…comes into play.”

If Democrats take control of the U-S House that means Louisiana Congressmen Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise will lose their positions as Speaker of the House and House Majority Leader. Jeremy Alford of La-Politics-dot-com says not having Johnson and Scalise in majority leadership roles could have a trickle-down effect on the rest of Louisiana’s congressional delegation.

Cut 7 (08) “…making that happen.”

Louisiana’s fifth and sixth district congressional races will likely need a December runoff to be decided. Democratic candidates in the sixth district say tariffs and the war in Iran have led to higher consumer prices. A Republican candidate in the sixth district, Michael Mebruer, had this idea on how to reduce prices…

Cut 12 (09) “…US Economy”

The Secretary of State’s Office is projecting a voter turnout today of 48 to 52-percent, which would be high for a midterm election. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling expects the percentage of Black voters will be 30-percent or higher…

Cut 3 (12) “…White Hot”

Couvillon says midterm elections are usually not good for the party that occupies the White House.

Based on polling data, there’s an excellent chance Democrats will take back the House from Republicans. The only question left to answer is how strong the incoming Democratic majority will be. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says flipping that chamber would cost Louisiana Congressmen Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise the speakership and the majority leadership, respectively.

Cut 6 (12) “…the Republican party.”

The U-S Senate race is the main item on the ballot and there are also U-S House races with two open seats, in the fifth and sixth district. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says we could see a Democrat make the runoff in either or both races…

Cut 26 (13) “….in these districts”

At a Sixth District Congressional forum in Baton Rouge, Democratic candidate Chauna Banks says soaring prices can be traced to two things…

Cut 9 (11) “…were out allies”

But Two Republican candidates, Stephen Wagley and Larry Davis, says the solution to lowering inflation is cutting down on wasteful government spending.

Cut 11 (14) “…care of them.”