We are just a month away from the federal elections. Senator John Kennedy is the heavy favorite to win re-election, but pollster John Couvillion says that race might have some surprises. Marsanne Golsby reports
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The 46th Annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta is underway in Sabine Parish, and they are prepping to serve five thousand dozen tamales. Brooke Thorington has more.
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President Biden pardons thousands of persons for federal marijuana possession convictions. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
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Federal elections are getting close. The open congressional primary election will be on November 8th. Senator John Kennedy is considered a heavy favorite to win re-election. However, pollster John Couvillon says that race could have implications that affect next year’s statewide races.
Kennedy’s best-known challengers are moderate white Democrat Luke Mixon and African American Democrat Gary Chambers. Couvillon says he expects Chambers to finish second.
In Southwest Louisiana, incumbent Clay Higgins is facing what Couvillon believes is a strong challenge from Republican attorney Holden Hoggatt. Couvillon says Higgins is potentially vulnerable because of perceptions he wasn’t aggressive in seeking hurricane relief funds.
He noted that former Congressman Dr. Charles Boustany is expected to endorse Hoggat next week.
Couvillon says national turnout has been steadily increasing in recent years and he expects that to continue—even in a relatively low-key election season in Louisiana.
Early voting begins October 25th and goes until November 1st.
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Louisiana is known for its Cajun cuisine but in Sabine Parish this weekend you can honor a beloved Mexican staple at the 46th Annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta. It was almost five-decades ago when Festival President Chris Loupe’s father originated the event after then-Governor Edwin Edwards offered matching funds for festivals this time of year.
The four-day event which kicked off Thursday has plenty of rides, music, arts and crafts, and even a parade on Saturday. And Loupe says this festival also has a few other things that aren’t your run-of-the-mill activities, like taking your truck for a spin in the mud bog…
The Tamala Fiesta can attract some 15-thousand people and Loupe estimates around five thousand dozen tamales will be consumed this weekend. And if for some reason you’re not a tamale connoisseur…
As far as the tamales go, Loupe says they have mild, medium, hot, and extra hot but he warns to consume the latter with extreme caution.
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U.S. Senators released a PSA warning about the dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl ahead of the Halloween season. Executive Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center at LSU Health Shreveport Nick Goeders says the Drug Enforcement administration has found this rainbow fentanyl in 21 states since February…
Dr. Goeders says the pills are made as a way to disguise the drug as it comes into the country, in some cases even looking similar to oxycontin…
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Dr. Goeders says while he can’t be sure the drug is targeting children, it could be easily mistaken and urges parents to take caution when trick-or-treating this year…
Dr. Goeders recommends parents look at the DEA’s online resource, “What every parent and caregiver needs to know about fake pills” to find more information.
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President Biden will pardon thousands of people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law, and he is calling on state governors to do likewise. Biden says marijuana laws disproportionately affect people of color. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Andre Belanger (bel AHN zhay) says it’s a bold move for the president politically, but…:
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In a written statement the President says “no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.” His pardon affects only those convicted of federal marijuana charges, which Belanger says is relatively few. He says, as it is, the pardons are “no big deal”…:
Biden is calling on state governors to follow suit and pardon their simple possession convictions as well. Belanger says our state is actually ahead of many others in taking steps to decriminalize marijuana possession, and other marijuana reforms are being considered. Governor John Bel Edwards may consider issuing state pardons for simple possession before he leaves office at the end of next year…:
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In Louisiana, simple possession of weed carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and fines up to $500 for a first offense.
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LSU will face its biggest test yet as they take on eighth-ranked Tennessee in Death Valley tomorrow. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who transferred to the team from Arizona St. this offseason, says he’s excited for the challenge that comes with playing in the SEC…
Daniels has thrown for 915 yards and 6 touchdowns on a 68% completion percentage this season, but his biggest stat is his zero interceptions to this point. Daniels says he prides himself on limiting turnovers…
The Tigers are averaging 36 points per game this season and 26 in SEC play, but against the high-flying offense of the Volunteers, wide receiver Malik Nabers says they need to get off to a fast start…
Tiger Stadium is already sold out for the 11 AM kickoff.
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After losing to Arkansas State 48-25 last Saturday, ULM will host Coastal Carolina for homecoming tomorrow. The Warhawks are 2-and-3 and Coach Terry Bowden says the losing record does not sit well for his team…
Coastal is 5-0 and they won a close game last week, edging out Georgia Southern 34-30. Bowden says they will arrive in Monroe believing they will come away with a win…
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