Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says due to the extensive COVID-mitigation measures in place it is safe to go to the polls today. Kanter says the risk is about as equivalent as going to the grocery, but just like the grocery, everyone must mask up. He has this message for those who refuse to wear a mask in line…

Cut 6 (12) “…sick”

As voters nationwide who haven’t already cast a ballot are flocking to the polls for the presidential election, JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says Biden is favored to win because the President has the tougher task in that he’s unlikely to expand his 2016 electoral map and is playing defense across a wide range of states.

Cut 14 (11) “Georgia” 

Voters in northeast and central Louisiana and the Florida parishes will select a new Congressman for the 5th district today. There are nine candidates seeking to replace Republican Ralph Abraham, who did not seek re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Abraham’s former chief of staff Luke Letlow has run a strong campaign.

Cut 3 (07)  “…radio print”  

Counting mail-in ballots is the most time-consuming process of an election and with COVID, there are a record-breaking number of absentee ballots in Louisiana, but new law changes that. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt authored Senate Bill 22 which allowed election officials to prep mail-in ballots four days ago to be counted. Hewitt received input from election officials to change absentee ballot procedures.

Cut 11 (10) “…the election.”

Election officials anticipate earlier results due to the change

Mail-in ballots are up an estimated 165-percent for this election in Louisiana, compared to the last Presidential election in 2016. Counting absentee ballots is a time-consuming process but thanks to a new law authored by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, election officials were able to start prepping those ballots four days ago.

Cut 10 (13) “…actual ballot”

While many predict a long night for the Presidential election, JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says we may know a winner tonight and advises avid poll watchers to keep a close eye on the results out of North Carolina and Florida which could give us an early idea of who will win…

Cut 13 (11) “…counting them”

Voters could elect a new member to the U-S House of Representatives today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A political analyst expects US Senator Bill Cassidy will win reelection tonight and avoid having to head to a December run-off. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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You have until 8 PM tonight to get in line to vote. Matt Doyle has a request for you from the state’s head of elections…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A proposition to allow sports betting by the parish is on the ballot. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The state’s senior Senator, Dr. Bill Cassidy is up for reelection today against a packed field of 14 opponents.

UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross expects the race will end tonight without heading to a December run-off that is unless voters get “confused” by the long list of names…

Cut 4 (12) “Louisiana”

Only one other Republican is on the ballot, Dustin Murphy of Eros. Eight Third Party, Independent, or No Party candidates are also on the list.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins headlines the five Democrats running to replace Cassidy, but Cross says his lack of statewide name recognition likely dooms him this year…

Cut 5 (10) “…career”

Baton Rouge activist and Democrat Antoine Peirce appears likely to take third place in the race as the second most prominent Democrat among the five running.

Cross has also been following the race for the 3^rd District southwest Louisiana Congressional seat held by Congressman Clay Higgins. He expects Higgins to win 50 to 55 percent and avoid a run-off.

Cut 6 (09) “Louisianans”

None of the other four incumbent Louisiana Congressmen are expected to face much of a reelection challenge either.

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Polls are open for Election Day and voters have until 8 PM to cast their ballots on a range of topics from the Presidential contest to sports betting.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin expects about 69 to 71 percent total turnout for the election including early votes. That’s up just slightly from 2016’s turnout of 68 percent.

Cut 7 (08) “state”

Nearly a million early votes were cast, compared to just over half a million in 2016. Ardoin says just because more people cast an early ballot doesn’t mean wait times will be lower today, so give yourself some time when you show up.

Cut 8 (11) “..process”

Ardoin says to speed things up for everyone please download the GeauxVote Mobile app ahead of time and pre-mark your ballot so you don’t hold up the line while you read your options in the booth and have your ID and PPE ready…

Cut 9 (08) “their”

Ardoin says as long as you are in line by 8 PM tonight you will get to vote.

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The 23-year-old who set fire to three predominately Black churches in Opelousas last spring is sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Holden Matthews was hit with a substantial sentence that is close to the maximum of what he could have gotten for the crimes.

Cut 10 (09) “…attention”

Matthews’ spree took place from late March to early April and targeted the Greater Union, Mt. Pleasant, and St. Mary Baptist Churches.

Matthews, the son of a St. Landry Parish deputy, initially pled not guilty but changed his plea back in February. Meche says pleading out was his best bet to avoid an even longer sentence.

Cut 11 (09) “himself”

Matthews reportedly told authorities that he set the fires in an attempt to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” artist, committing crimes similar to those done by musicians in Scandinavia in the 90s.

Meche says the message from this substantial sentence is clear…

Cut 12 (11) “do that”.

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Voters will decide the fate of Sports Betting for their individual parish today. Currently, the only sports wagering allowed in Louisiana is online fantasy sports contests in parishes approved in 2018.  Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says this vote is open to all parishes and would accept wagers on any sporting event.

Cut 13 (12) “…it online”

Scott says if your parish approves sports wagering don’t expect to place your bets immediately.

Cut 14 (12) “…as a state tax” 

Proponents say sports betting is already done illegally so why not legalize it and collect state and local revenue. Scott says opponents see this as another way to lure younger gamblers.

Cut 15 (12) “…casinos or online”

If your parish does not have a casino and sports betting is approved, you can then legally wager online once legislation is passed.

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At the halfway point of the 2020 season, the defending national champion LSU Tigers are 2-and-3 and with difficult games remaining against Alabama, Florida and Texas A-and-M, the Bayou Bengals could have their first losing season since 1999. But Coach Ed Orgeron still likes the direction of the program

cut 16 (16) “ do that”

LSU’s next game is November 14th against Alabama. Orgeron says it’s too early to tell if injured quarterback Myles Brennan will play against the second-ranked Crimson Tide. Coach O says if Brennan can’t play, there will be a competition between TJ Finley and Max Johnson on who will start…

cut 17 (24)   see what happens”

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The Saints have acquired former LSU linebacker Kwon Alexander in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. In return, New Orleans gives up a fifth-round conditional draft pick and Kiko Alonso, who has not played this season. Coach Sean Payton says Alexander gives the Saints another athletic linebacker that can run

cut 18 (18) ” San Fran ” 

Because of the COVID protocols, it’s unlikely Alexander will play Sunday night against the Buccaneers. The Saints will take a four-game winning streak into Tampa bay. Payton says his team has shown a lot of grit by winning close games during the winning streak, including two overtime contests…

cut 19 (25)    “more important game” 

Entergy still has 62-thousand customers without power following the Wednesday night landfall of Hurricane Zeta. That includes some polling sites without electricity. Entergy CEO Phillip May says for polling stations that don’t have power by Tuesday, they will provide a “power pod”…

Cut 13 (07) “…available”

There are seven constitutional amendments on tomorrow’s ballot. Amendment seven has to do with unclaimed property and whether to protect the money in a new trust fund. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says State Treasurer John Schroder wants to keep unclaimed money from being used in the state budget…

Cut 7 (11) “…general fund”

Polls open tomorrow from 6 AM to 8 PM.

The New Member Educator for Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at LSU, Terry Reynolds, turned himself in and was arrested today on three counts, felony and misdemeanor criminal hazing and failure to seek assistance. LSU police say a freshman pledge was admitted to the hospital with a blood alcohol limit almost 6 times the legal limit to drive and placed on life support due to organ failure last month.

Louisiana’s flood protection systems weathered five named storms this year and appear to be doing ok. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

A federal judge sentences Holden Matthews to 25 years in prison for setting three black churches a blaze in St. Landry Parish last year. Matthews pleaded guilty to the fires in both state and federal court. He was credited 18 months for time already served, and the judge asked the Bureau of Prisons to ensure he is placed in a facility near his family and receives substance abuse counseling and mental health treatment.

Power should be back on for most Zeta-impacted customers by Wednesday but could be out for pockets of customers in the lower southeast parishes until Saturday according to Entergy. But Entergy CEO Phillip May says right now the priority is restoring electricity to those polling stations and getting them back on the grid.

Cut 14 (10) “pods” 

Amendment 7 on the statewide ballot would protect unclaimed property money in a new trust fund. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says each year if new collections entrusted to the Treasurer exceed what’s collected by rightful owners, the difference goes into the state’s general fund.

Cut 6 (11) “…general fund”

Opponents say the program has existed for close to 50 years and has never had more claims than collections in a year. Proponents say it protects money that belongs to the people.

A UNO Research Center survey indicates a 56-percent job approval rating for Governor John Bel Edwards. The random poll of 755 respondents asked participants to rate his job performance. Research Center Director, Professor Ed Chervenak…

Cut 9 (11) “job approval”

Amendment 7 on the statewide ballot would protect unclaimed property money in a new trust fund. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says each year if new collections entrusted to the Treasurer exceed what’s collected by rightful owners, the difference goes into the state’s general fund.

Cut 6 (11) “general fund”

Opponents say the program has existed for close to 50 years and has never had more claims than collections in a year.

State Police Captain Lamar Davis has been promoted to LSP Superintendent, replacing Col. Kevin Reeves who retired after three years running the department. Governor John Bel Edwards says Davis is a 25-year LSP vet who has worked a lot of different jobs in the department.

Cut 8 (06) “..technology.”

The Saints won their fourth straight last night pulling off a hard-fought victory in Chicago by beating the Bears 26-23 in overtime on a Wil Lutz 35-yard field goal. It was redemption for Lutz, who missed a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter, his first miss of the season…

Cut 14 (13)     “go through” 

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority believes the state’s flood protection systems are in good shape even after being tested by a record hurricane season. CPRA Chief of Engineering Rudy Simoneaux says one problem area was the Burrito Levee in Grand Isle that was breached during Zeta. He says it will need some repairs.

Cut 3 (10)  “…levee”  

Senator Bill Cassidy faces his first reelection effort with Democrat and Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins his biggest threat on tomorrow’s ballot. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

Holden Matthews, who is charged with intentionally setting fire to multiple African American churches in Opelousas spring of 2019, will be sentenced in court at 1:30 today. Matthews was originally scheduled to be sentenced in state and federal court last month and it was rescheduled twice. A judge set a continuance due to new evidence last week, the nature of the new evidence is unknown.

State Police Captain Lamar Davis has been promoted to LSP Superintendent, replacing Col. Kevin Reeves who retired after three years running the department. Governor John Bel Edwards says Davis is a 25-year LSP vet who has worked a lot of different jobs in the department. Edwards, a former paratrooper, says he’s a fan of Davis’ military background.

Cut 9 (12) “Guard”

A department of Justice grant to the LSU Law Center and Innocence Project New Orleans will establish a Wrongful Conviction Clinic at the school. Assistant Dean of Experiential Education Robert Lancaster says the half a million grant will allow students to learn about the causes and remedies of wrongful convictions and procedures.

Cut 11 (08) “wrongfully convicted”

Just under 300-thousand Entergy customers remain without power in southeast Louisiana as a result of Hurricane Zeta. Over half of the residents in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and Jefferson Parishes do not have electricity. Entergy CEO Phillip May says Zeta delivered heavy wind damage in many places but thankfully didn’t damage core pieces of the Entergy grid. That being said…

Cut 13 (08) “…forth”
May is hopeful a lot of progress can be made today.

But with election day right around the corner, Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s likely some polling stations in southeast Louisiana will be without power…

Cut 14 (09) Tuesday” 

Edwards says they are working to identify every polling station that will not be in service Tuesday so they can select alternate locations.

When residents are picking up the pieces after a hurricane, “storm chasers” as they are known routinely descend upon the area to take advantage of homeowners. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says always get a written contract of work to be performed and that the contractor is responsible for acquiring all required permits.

Cut 7 (11) “…of construction”

Donelon also recommends asking the contractor’s insurance carrier to mail a certificate of coverage directly to you.

Louisiana’s congressional delegation request for a 100-percent Federal Cost Share of debris removal from Hurricane Laura receives approval from President Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy says this will take the burden off local communities.

Cut 10 (09) “fantastic”

Officials anticipate a majority of customers will have their power back in southeast Louisiana by the end of the weekend, but some areas might still be out through Tuesday. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Governor Edwards announced the appointment of Louisiana State Police Captain Lamar Davis as Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Superintendent of LSP. Davis replaces outgoing Superintendent Kevin Reeves who is retiring after 30 years of service. Davis is a Baton Rouge native and has been with the LSP since 1998.

Louisiana’s congressional delegation request for a 100-percent Federal Cost Share of debris removal from Hurricane Laura receives approval from President Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy says this isn’t the first time Trump has approved a 100-percent cost share, it was approved in 2018 for Hurricane Michael and it prompted their request for the same for Louisiana.

Cut 11 (05) “…taxpayer.”

The Department of Transportation and its contractors alone have removed more than 1.4 million cubic yards of debris.

McNeese State plans on students returning to campus for the 2021 spring semester. President Daryl Burckel says Hurricane Laura alone produced 77-million dollars in damages to the academic portion of the campus. Burckel says students, faculty, and alumni can keep track of the rebuild process by visiting come-home-cowboys-dot-com

Cut 5 (11) “.fully  complete” 

Despite sustaining 200-million dollars in damages from two hurricanes, McNeese State plans to have students back on campus for the 2021 spring semester. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Officials anticipate a majority of customers will have their power back in southeast Louisiana by the end of the weekend but some areas might still be out through Tuesday. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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McNeese State plans on students returning to campus for the 2021 spring semester. President Daryl Burckel says Hurricane Laura alone produced 77-million dollars in damages to the academic portion of the campus and multiple contractors have been hired so at least 30-percent of classes will be face-to-face instruction in January…

Cut 3 (07)  “…for the spring”  

Burckel says the speed in recovery is vital because their budget is based on student tuition. McNeese’s enrollment is around seven-thousand and Burckel says despite two hurricanes the school’s enrollment is only down 225 students from the Fall of 2019. He says as they rebuild the campus, student housing is a top priority

Cut 4 (06)   “for them to live”   

Total damage to the entire university when you also combine water damage from Hurricane Delta is 200-million dollars.

Burkel says students, faculty, and alumni can keep track of the rebuild process by visiting come-home-cowboys-dot-com

Cut 5 (11) “.fully  complete” 

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When residents are picking up the pieces after a hurricane, “storm chasers” as they are known routinely descend upon the area to take advantage of homeowners. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says always get a written contract of work to be performed with a separate break out of labor cost and cost of materials.

Cut 6 (10) “…being achieved”

Donelon also recommends adding to the contract that the contractor is responsible for acquiring all required permits.

Cut 7 (11) “…of construction”

Donelon says before you sign a contract, make sure they are a licensed contractor with the state licensing board for contractors and check with the Better Business Bureau.

Cut 8 (11) “..your business”

Donelon also recommends asking the contractor’s insurance carrier to mail a certificate of coverage directly to you.

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Louisiana’s congressional delegation request for a 100-percent Federal Cost Share of debris removal from Hurricane Laura receives approval from President Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy says both COVID and two hurricanes have exhausted several communities with recovery efforts. Cassidy says this is great financial news for those areas devasted by Laura.

Cut 9 (11) “fiscal responsibility”

The 100 percent of federal cost-share will last for a continuous period of 30 days. Before the request was amended by Congressional members, cities and parishes were required to pay 25-percent of debris removal.

Cassidy says this will take the burden off local communities.

Cut 10 (09) “fantastic”

The Department of Transportation and its contractors alone have removed more than 1.4 million cubic yards of debris.

Cassidy says this isn’t the first time Trump has approved a 100-percent cost share, it was approved in 2018 for Hurricane Michael and it prompted their request for the same for Louisiana.

Cut 11 (05) “…taxpayer.”

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Officials are optimistic that the power won’t be out for much longer in southeast Louisiana for most customers.

Entergy CEO Phillip May says crews have been working around the clock and they now have a good estimation as to when you should have your lights back on…

Cut 12 (09) “ .restored” 

328,000 Entergy customers remain without power (12PM).

May says Zeta delivered heavy wind damage in many places but thankfully didn’t damage core pieces of the Entergy grid. That being said…

Cut 13 (08) “…forth”

May estimates 90 percent of customers will be on within the week.

Governor Edwards says Election Day is Tuesday and it appears likely some polling stations in the southeast will be without power…

Cut 14 (09) Tuesday” 

Edwards says they are working to identify every polling station that will not be in service Tuesday so they have an opportunity to select alternate locations…

Cut 15 (10) “is” 

Edwards expects they will have an answer to which stations are viable by sometime Saturday.