We know how Democrats are feeling after Tuesday’s midterm elections. How are Republicans feeling? Andrew Greenstein reports.
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A Tulane survey of 143 Louisiana small businesses and startups finds they are optimistic about their future. Andrew Greenstein has more.
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LSU President Wade Rousse announced plans to crack down on unauthorized on-campus gatherings on gameday ahead of LSU’s big matchup with Alabama tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick has more.
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Whereas Republicans got hammered across the country Tuesday, Louisiana was one of the very few states where Republicans weathered the storm. Those are the words of Louisiana Republican Party Executive Director Cory Dennis, who says things so far have gone according to plan.
Letlow’s win, however, was by a much smaller margin than analysts had expected. Whereas everyone had the contest as “safe Republican,” Letlow only beat Democrat Jamie Davis by two points. Dennis says that trend cannot continue.
Cut 5 (11) “…and flip another.”
With two House seats still yet to be decided, albeit in districts drawn specifically to favor Republicans, Dennis says the job is not done yet.
Cut 6 (09) “…the gubernatorial cycle.”
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Democrats in Louisiana were able to flip one seat in their favor Tuesday. Gregory Carroll won a special election in state house district 92 to fill the House seat vacated by Republican Joe Stagni, who resigned when he was elected to the Kenner City Council. Carroll says he doesn’t view his win as flipping a State House seat from one party to the other.
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Carroll says he has a list of priorities in the months remaining in the term, which will include the next legislative session.
Cut 8 (10) “…to be addressed.”
Carroll notes that his district, which includes much of the northern portion of Jefferson Parish, is very politically diverse, split almost evenly among Democrats and Republicans. He says in this race, political affiliation didn’t matter to voters.
Cut 9 (14) “…find affordable healthcare.”
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The 2026 Louisiana Startup report finds the state’s startup businesses are optimistic about their futures. 143 startups and small businesses across the state were surveyed by Tulane and Louisiana Innovation to gauge the business landscape in the state. Rob Lalka (LAH-kuh), the executive director of the Albert Lepage Center at Tulane, says businesses are committed to Louisiana.
Cut 10 (11) “…committed to Louisiana.”
Two-thirds of respondents reported plans to add employees in the next year. Lalka says officials can use this data to inform policies to help them develop.
Cut 11 (08) “…seeking to grow.”
Limited financing was the most frequently cited barrier to growth, but Lalka says the businesses are raising more capital and more of it is coming from Louisiana.
76-percent of businesses said A-I improved productivity, while nearly half reported a favorable impact on sales. However, Lalka says it’s a mixed bag.
Cut 12 (08) “…build their companies.”
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After a brawl broke out during a homecoming celebration on campus at LSU’s last home game, LSU officials are cracking down on unauthorized large gatherings. University President Wade Rousse says he remembers how special it was to come to campus to tailgate as a kid, and he does not want to jeopardize that experience for anyone.
Officials are targeting large, unapproved events on campus, oftentimes with D-J’s or live music — not your average family tailgate. Rousse says those gatherings were already prohibited, and any events like approved fraternity tailgates must be shut down an hour before kickoff. He says gameday should be about football.
Cut 14 (11) “…focused on football.”
Rousse says you may see a few more law enforcement officers on campus, but he doesn’t want people to think campus is in some sort of state of emergency.
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Coach Lane Kiffin’s first season could be on the line as LSU hosts Alabama tomorrow. Both have two losses already; it would be a tough road for either team to make the College Football Playoff with another. For LSU to get a win, the Tigers will need quarterback Sam Leavitt to take care of the ball. He says it comes down to situational awareness.
Bama has five key starters listed on the availability report, including dynamic wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams. Kiffin says the Crimson Tide offense led by sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell is still explosive and talented.
Cut 17 (13) “…played really well.”
LSU star tight end Trey’Dez Green returned from injury ion the Tigers’ last game versus Auburn. Leavitt says having the 6-foot-7 target back out there is like a safety blanket in the passing game.
Cut 18 (16) “…looking better.”
Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is at 2:30.
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The Saints are back after a week off to host the Browns on Sunday. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson has missed two straight practices after entering concussion protocol, and sophomore Q-B Shedeur Sanders has taken the starting reps. The Saints drafted Tyler Shough over Sanders last year, and now the two could square off as starters. Head coach Kellen Moore…
Shough says he is facing the Cleveland defense, not Sanders.
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has been limited in his return to practice this week. The eighth overall pick has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since training camp, but Shough says he has attacked both the mental and physical sides of his rehab.
Cut 20 (16) “…we’re focused on.”