Will we have our first female president, or will we have our second president to serve non-consecutive terms? Americans are deciding that issue even as we speak. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says presidential elections always bring out voters.

Cut 10 (09) “…the presidential election.”

Polls close at eight tonight; those already in line at that time will be allowed to vote.

Will the 6th Congressional District need to be redrawn again? The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says the case could have additional ramifications.

Cut 3 (16) “…Constitution’s 14th Amendment.”

Looks like Mother Nature isn’t done with us this year after all. Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to become a hurricane, and while uncertain at this point, the current path takes the storm straight to the Louisiana coast. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannon says residents along the Gulf Coast should keep an eye on the storm.

Cut 8 (10) “…over the Central Culf.”

If Rafael makes landfall on the Louisiana Gulf Coast Sunday afternoon as currently forecast, it would do so as a tropical storm. 

Five school buses from St. Bernard Parish are involved in a crash on westbound I-10 in Lafayette. Lafayette Police say one of the buses rear-ended another bus, causing the chain-reaction collision. Six students were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. A truck pulling a band trailer was also involved in the crash.

Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they’re expecting a huge overall voter turnout.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to 71-percent.”

Will there be another change to the 6th Congressional District? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says depending on how the court rules, the lines could be redrawn by the next congressional election in 2026.

Cut 5 (07) “…by mid-2025.”

The current lines will likely result in a Democratic pickup today that could alter the balance of power in the House.

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has died. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  Rafael will likely become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba. As it approaches the Gulf of Mexico, Rafael’s path remains uncertain. Despite that, Louisiana is expected to experience some rain starting later this week with a moderate risk of flash flooding in some areas.

The Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge to the redistricting of Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has died. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________

The 6th Congressional District was redrawn to make it the second majority-Black district in the state. The question is – will it stay that way? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says the case could have additional ramifications.

Cut 3 (16) “…Constitution’s 14th Amendment.” (Does Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act violate the 14th Amendment?)

Ciolino says how the conservative court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 4 (11) “…in education, employment.” (The court has been skeptical about race-based preferences.)

The court will hear a one-hour oral argument early this winter, and the court will issue its ruling towards the end of June of next year. And Ciolino says depending on how the court rules, the lines could be redrawn by the next congressional election in 2026.

Cut 5 (07) “…by mid-2025.”

But for now, the lines as redrawn will remain in place, very likely resulting in a Democratic pickup today that could alter the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

______________________________________

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannon anticipates Rafael will become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba.

Cut 6 (09) “…Wednesday evening.”

Bannon says Rafael’s exact path remains uncertain as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico midweek, with two potential scenarios. One model predicts a northward track toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, while another suggests a westward turn that could send Rafael toward northeastern Mexico.

Cut 7 (12) “…anything significant.”

Despite the path uncertainty, Louisiana is expected to experience some rain starting later this week with a moderate risk of flash flooding in some areas. Bannon says residents along the Gulf Coast are advised to monitor updates as forecasts should become clearer within the next two days.

Cut 8 (10) “…over the Central Culf.”

________________________________________________________

Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they’re expecting a huge overall voter turnout.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to 71-percent.”

Landry says presidential elections always bring out voters.

Cut 10 (09) “…the presidential election.”

Polls close at eight tonight; those already in line at that time will be allowed to vote.

________________________________________________________

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has passed away. William “Dub” Jones died over the weekend at the age of 99 – just one month shy of his 100th birthday. One of his sons, Ben Jones, says his father was an amazing man.

Cut 11 (10) “…so many people.”

Jones spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns of both the All-American Football Conference and later the NFL, leading them to two AAFC titles and three NFL titles. On November 25th, 1951, against the Chicago Bears, he scored six touchdowns, tying an NFL record set in 1929 by Ernie Nevers and has since been equaled by Gayle Sayers and Alvin Kamara. Son Ben said with five touchdowns already under his belt, quarterback Otto Graham was determined to get his father the record when coach Paul Brown called a running play late in the game.

Cut 12 (14) “…sixth touchdown pass.”

Ben says his father was an old-school player all the way.

Cut 13 (13)  “…talking for you.”

Another of Dub Jones’ sons was Bert Jones, who was an NFL quarterback for ten seasons and was the NFL MVP in 1976.

Louisiana set early voting records in these elections and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says presidential elections always bring out voters.

Cut 10 (09) “…the presidential election.”

The US Supreme Court will hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in drawing Louisiana’s 6^th Congressional district and if it violated the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at Loyola University Law School…

Cut 4 (11) “…in education, employment.”

For now, the redrawn lines will remain in place, very likely resulting in a Democratic pickup in this election that could alter the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannon says Rafael’s exact path remains uncertain as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico midweek, with two potential scenarios. One model predicts a northward track toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, while another suggests a westward turn that could send Rafael toward northeastern Mexico.

Cut 7 (12) “…anthing significant.”

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has passed away. William “Dub” Jones died over the weekend at the age of 99 – just one month shy of his 100th birthday. One of his sons, Ben Jones, says his father was an amazing man.

Cut 11 (10) “…so many people.”

Jones spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns of both the All-American Football Conference and later the NFL, leading them to two AAFC titles and three NFL titles.

Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry…

Cut 9 (12)  “…to 71-percent.”

The 6th Congressional District was redrawn to make it the second majority-Black district in the state. The question is – will it stay that way? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law…

Cut 3 (16) “…Constitution’s 14th Amendment.”

The Court is expected to hear arguments in early Winter.

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannon anticipates Rafael will become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba.

Cut 6 (09) “…Wednesday evening.”

Bannon says Rafael’s exact path remains uncertain as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico midweek.

A tornado touched down in Evangeline Parish this morning and two people have reportedly been injured. Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service say the twister touched down on Highway 190 near Basile around 8:30 this morning. Fortunately, the injuries that occurred appear to be minor. A tornado was spotted on the ground in Acadia Parish.

The Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge to the redistricting of Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

As you head to the polls today, be assured that the State of Louisiana goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says only certain people are allowed to handle the voting equipment, which is sealed before the election to ensure that it is not tampered with ahead of time.
Cut 26 (09) “…before every election.”

Analysts say today could be a big day for Republicans, based on early voting totals. Louisiana’s early voting turnout set records for in-person voting, with almost a million ballots cast early. JMC Analytics highlighted a drop in Black voter participation, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish. Owner John Couvillon says in 2020, Black voters comprised 30% of early voters; in 2024, they make up only 25% — numbers that he says should bode well for Donald Trump.

Cut 10 (14) “…60 percent.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

Will Kamala Harris be the country’s first female president, or will Donald Trump be the second person to be elected to two non-consecutive terms? Polls show the answer at this point is anyone’s guess. Results will start to pour in early this evening, and John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says he’s focusing on two states in the early going.

Cut 12 (13) “…those two states.

Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District race has gained national attention after redistricting transformed it into a majority-Black district. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat considers Democrat Cleo Fields to be the frontrunner.

Cut 7 (11) “…cuts into him.”

A Democratic win could hand the balance of power in the House to the Democrats.

Before you head to the polls today, keep in mind that there is a dress code of sorts. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says electioneering is not allowed within 600 feet of the polling place – the distance of two football fields.

Cut 6 (14) “…before you vote.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

Darren Rizzi is now the Saints’ interim head coach after the team fired Dennis Allen amid a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi says this is not a day for celebration, and that everyone – not just Allen – is to blame.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that we’re in.”

Rizzi says everyone and everything will be evaluated, and changes will be coming.

The Louisiana secretary of state wants you to know that the state goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of its elections. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We’re seeing severe weather in Louisiana on this election day.  A Lafayette TV station is reporting a tornado touched down in Basile, which is located in Acadia and Evangeline Parishes. KLFY-TV is reporting at least two people were injured.

And we are watching Tropical Storm Rafael which is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane on Thursday, but lose it’s intensity as it moves towards the Louisiana coast.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, just under 975-thousand people have already early voted or turned in an absentee ballot. Pollster John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says the results of the early voting will be posted on the Secretary of State’s website shortly after the polls close at 8 PM….

Cut 11 (15) “….in our state”

The Presidential race tops the ballot, but there are also Congressional races, a PSC race and one constitutional amendment about funding for the coast.

Saints have fired Dennis Allen and special teams coach Darren Rizzi has been named interim coach. Rizzi says changes will be coming…

Cut 14 (09) “…along the way”

The race for Louisiana’s 6^th Congressional District is a close one with Democrat Cleo Fields, Republican Elbert Guillory and three others vying for the redrawn congressional seat.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

As you head to the polls today, be assured that the State of Louisiana goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says only certain people are allowed to handle the voting equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…touch our equipment.”

—————————————

Analysts say today could be a big day for Republicans, based on early voting totals. Louisiana’s early voting turnout set records for in-person voting, with almost a million ballots cast early. JMC Analytics highlighted a drop in Black voter participation, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish. Owner John Couvillon says in 2020, Black voters comprised 30% of early voters; in 2024, they make up only 25% — numbers that he says should bode well for Donald Trump.

Cut 10 (14) “…60 percent.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

Tropical Storm Rafael is predicted to reach hurricane intensity as it passes over the Cayman Islands overnight tonight before entering the gulf of Mexico later this week.  Weather models suggest the storm’s center could eventually make landfall between Louisiana and the western edge of the Florida Panhandle, but conditions could weaken the storm.