Today is the big day – your last chance to head to the polls. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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With Democrats outnumbering Republicans in early voting, that could shake things up this Election Day. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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One political pollster says national trends are impacting Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Today is the day – 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 – obviously not on a single ballot; that would be some sort of record – you’re urged to look up your sample ballot on GeauxVote-dot-com or on the GeauxVote app.

Cut 4 (14) “…ahead of time.”

Landry says along with bringing your government-issued photo ID with you, there is a dress code of sorts that you will need to abide by in order to cast a ballot.

Cut 5 (11) “…campaign or not.”

Landry says certain voters may notice some people monitoring activity at the polling places – and that’s all they’ll be doing.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the past.”

Landry says based on early voting numbers, she’s expecting an overall voter turnout of between 48 and 52-percent, which would be one of the biggest turnouts of any non-presidential election in state history.

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Even though early voting statistics and a pair of polls showing Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis tied have made things very interesting in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics-dot-com says Letlow still goes into Election Day today as the clear favorite.

Cut 7 (09) “…race to lose.”

But Alford says other expected outcomes might not pan out as planned. He says while the last-minute redrawing of the congressional map will likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing Louisiana in the House, early voting numbers indicate that it won’t be as easy as anticipated.

Cut 8 (13) “…in these districts.”

As for the ten constitutional amendments on the ballot, Alford says with voters rejecting every single proposed amendment in the last two elections, voters may be getting sick and tired of these amendments popping up on their ballots – especially those towards the end.

Cut 9 (11)  “…from the ballot.”

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A Shreveport-based polling firm calls today’s Louisiana U.S. Senate election a toss-up. Bishop George, the co-founder and CEO of Vantage Data House, says in June, he had Republican Julia Letlow leading Democrat Jamie Davis by eight percentage points. However, their research has found Black voters, who are likely voting for Davis, are more energized to have their voices heard.

Cut 10 (06) “…anger and frustration.”

Black voters accounted for 34-percent of the early votes. George says Louisiana is a conservative state, and a red tide voters could head to the polls today.

Cut 11 (07) “…can totally happen.”

Two nonpartisan election prediction websites, Inside Elections and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, has the winner of Louisiana’s Senate race as “likely Republican.”

President Trump’s endorsement of Letlow helped her defeat incumbent Bill Cassidy and State Treasurer John Fleming in the Republican primary. But pollster Dr. Jim Kitchens says the President’s endorsement is not helping her in the general election.

Cut 12 (07) “…blame the Democrats.”

Kitchens says Letlow is facing similar problems that other Republicans are facing in red states, the Trump economy has not produced the results that were promised two years ago.

Cut 13 (10)  “…delivered at all.”

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There’s a chance of rain and the potential for a strong thunderstorm on this Election Day. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances are high because of a cold front.

Cut 14 (13) “…and so forth.”

Keim says temperatures will be mild and it will be breezy. Rainfall totals are expected to be higher for north Louisiana as opposed to south Louisiana, and there is a low threat for severe weather.

Cut 15 (09) “…of the thunderstorms.”

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Number-15 LSU hosts ninth-ranked Alabama at 2:30 on Saturday. It is the first afternoon kickoff in Tiger Stadium for the rivalry since 2010, but LSU is 16-and-1 in its last 17 2:30 kickoffs. Tennessee set the highest verified crowd noise record in a win over Alabama at the same time earlier this season, and Kiffin says he wants LSU fans to break it.

Cut 16 (18) “…goes to sleep.”

With the SEC’s new scheduling model, LSU and Alabama are no longer annual opponents. They have met every year since 1964, but this will be their last matchup of that 63-year streak. Kiffin says, unfortunately, most decisions in college football come down to money, and very little is safe.

Cut 17 (16) “…rivalries and conferences.”

The first College Football Playoff rankings come out today. With two losses each already, Saturday’s game is critical for both LSU and Alabama as they fight to keep their postseason hopes alive. Kiffin, though, says none of that matters on the field.

Cut 18 (19)  “…to worry about.”

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The second Will Wade era of LSU basketball begins tonight against LSU New Orleans. To unconventionally kick-start his second stint in Baton Rouge, Wade built his roster with experienced fifth-year seniors and overseas pros. He has taken a lot of heat for his new recruiting methods, but he says his team doesn’t hear any of the outside noise.

Cut 19 (15) “…win or not (2x).”

With the eligibility battles and delayed enrollment affecting much of his roster in the offseason, Wade says it will take time for the team to fully develop. He says that does not mean they won’t win games while they improve in the early season.

Cut 20 (19) “…ultimately win out.”

Tip-off in the P-MAC is at 7 p.m.

On this election eve, the Julia Letlow campaign finds itself in overdrive to save what was, by all accounts, an easy race for her to win. Advocate political reporter Tyler Bridges tells Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana on WRKF that Letlow has been careful not to make any mistakes throughout the general election campaign. He says while Letlow’s campaign says she’s visited all 64 parishes, there hasn’t been a lot of noticeable campaigning.

Cut 8 (06) “…it doesn’t.”

Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says Letlow may also be hurt by the things that are hurting Republicans from coast to coast.

Cut 4 (11) “…those national effects.”

A pair of polls released within the last few days show Letlow and Davis tied.

Lafayette Police are looking for the person who was involved in a stabbing that left one dead and two others injured. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Despite the Saints’ 2-and-5 record, believe it or not, they’re only just one game out of first place. That’s because the Buccaneers beat the Falcons yesterday in Tampa, 16-0. What’s especially notable about that game is that the Bucs got the win, despite quarterback Baker Mayfield not completing a single pass all game long.

A U.S. Senate race that analysts had said throughout the entire campaign was not going to be a competitive one is instead going to come down to the wire. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says after months of radio silence, Julia Letlow’s campaign has in recent days started to make noise.

Cut 3 (13) “…ignoring their candidate.”

Among the things the Letlow campaign would not like are a pair of new polls that show her tied with Jamie Davis. Advocate political reporter Todd Bridges was a guest on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster; he says Letlow and Davis have run two very different campaigns.

Cut 7 (11) “..talks to.”

For the next several months, when you leave the office at the end of the day, there’s a very good chance you will be driving home after dark. After the return to standard time, it’s going to take our bodies a few days to get used to the new daylight pattern. Don Redman with Triple-A says it’s especially important this time of year to listen to your bodies.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of fatal crashes.”

The Saints have parted ways with run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti after the team’s bye week. The Black and Gold rank in the bottom five of the NFL with 86 rushing yards a game and ran for just 18 yards against the Steelers in their last game. Head coach Kellen Moore says O-line coach Brendan Nugent will take over the run game as the staff looks to improve its workflow.

Cut 12 (12) “…awesome coach.”

A race that was believed to have been a cakewalk for Julia Letlow is turning out to be anything but. A disproportionate number of Democrats cast ballots in early voting, and two new polls show Letlow tied with Jamie Davis. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says it appears that voters are retaliating against the legislature, and not just for redrawing the district lines following the Callais decision.

Cut 5 (13) “…by the legislature (2x).”

We’re now back to standard time, so Triple-A is urging you to really listen to your body while behind the wheel. Spokesman Don Redman says the most common hours of the day when drivers feel drowsy may surprise you.

Cut 10 (12) “…in the evening.” 

Lafayette Police are looking for the person who was involved in a stabbing that left one dead and two others injured. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Despite the Saints’ 2-and-5 record, believe it or not, they’re only just one game out of first place. That’s because the Buccaneers beat the Falcons yesterday in Tampa, 16-0. What’s especially notable about that game is that the Bucs got the win, despite quarterback Baker Mayfield not completing a single pass all game long.

There are growing signs Louisiana’s U-S Senate race could be closer than previously expected. In fact, Shreveport-based pollster Bishop George now calls it a toss-up. Political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says that helps explain why President Trump is holding a tele-rally for Julia Letlow Monday night.

Cut 3 (07) “…back up.”

The Saints will hopefully use this bye week to make plans to start turning things around amid growing frustration within their fanbase. Owner Gayle Benson uncharacteristically expressed disappointment after the Saints lost three straight home games before the Paris trip. Scott Fazio flew to Paris to watch the Saints lose to the Steelers; and he says without any real change, Benson’s critique doesn’t mean a thing.

Cut 11 (10) “…something happen here.”

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This weekend, you really can turn back time – one hour, to be precise. In fact, you’ll have to, since Daylight Saving Time ends at two Sunday morning. The Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal urges you to also use the occasion to check your smoke detectors. Chief Chad Sonnier says the office will go to great lengths to make sure everyone has a working smoke detector inside his or her home.

Cut 14 (10) “…or your family.”

This is also Halloween weekend; and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be extra careful on roadways. Spokesman Greg Fischer says with little ghouls and goblins walking the streets after dark Saturday night, you need to slow down and pay extra attention.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the dot.”

A few weeks ago, Republican Julia Letlow appeared to be a clear favorite in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race. But several political observers now see a much closer contest. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A former high school band director shoots himself after deputies show up to his house to arrest him on additional counts of child molestation. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says 56-year-old Kevin Williams struggled with deputies, pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot himself. He’s currently listed in critical condition.

This is Halloween weekend, which can be a very spooky time on Louisiana’s roadways. Gregory Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says last year, almost 650 people were injured in crashes during the Halloween period, and some of those people did not survive their injuries.

Cut 6 (08) “…but it is.”

Of those 16 people, three were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

It’s that time of year again – before you go to bed tomorrow night, go through your house and turn all of your clocks back one hour, because Daylight Saving Time ends at two Sunday morning. While you’re at it, the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal also urges you to check your smoke detectors. Chief Chad Sonnier says the process is very simple.

Cut 12 (06) “…for another year.”

If you don’t have a smoke detector because you can’t afford one, your local fire department will install one inside your home for free.

A few weeks ago, Republican Julia Letlow appeared to be a clear favorite in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race. But several political observers now see a much closer contest. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

On Tuesday, we could see one-million voters head to polling places across the state to cast ballots. Based on early voting numbers, the Secretary of State’s Office is forecasting an overall turnout of between 48 and 52-percent of all registered voters.

This is Halloween weekend; and especially in light of 16 fatalities on roadways during the Halloween period last year, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be extra careful on roadways this weekend. Spokesman Greg Fischer says especially with little ghouls and goblins walking the streets after dark, you need to slow down and pay extra attention, especially Saturday night.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the dot.”

The Saints will hopefully use this bye week to make plans to start turning things around amid growing frustration within their fanbase. Owner Gayle Benson uncharacteristically expressed disappointment after the Saints lost three home games in a row before the trip to Paris. Scott Fazio flew to Paris to watch the Saints lose to the Steelers, and he says without any real change, Benson’s critique doesn’t mean anything.

Cut 11 (10) “…something happen here.”

There are growing signs Louisiana’s U-S Senate race could be closer than previously expected. Washington-based Inside Elections has moved the race from Solid Republican to Likely Republican, while Shreveport-based pollster Bishop George now calls it a toss-up. Political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says that helps explain why President Trump is holding a tele-rally for Julia Letlow Monday night.

Cut 3 (07) “…back up.”

With more absentee ballots coming in between now and Monday afternoon, Democrats now outnumber Republicans in early and absentee voting by almost 17-thousand. Almost 94-thousand no-party voters have cast early and absentee ballots, and LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says how those no-party voters marked their ballots is anyone’s guess.

Cut 8 (09) “…there than Democrats.”

An advocacy group is calling for additional vehicle safety enhancements after a three-year-old girl is killed in a Carencro restaurant parking lot. The group Kids and Car Safety says the tragedy spotlights the fact that automakers need to make additional safety technology standard across all trim levels. Spokeswoman Chloe Burke says no amount of technology can substitute for good old fashioned parenting.

Cut 6 (12) “…physically holding them.”

A recent study says Louisiana’s college campuses need four-billion dollars worth of repairs and maintenance. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the previous estimate was two-billion dollars. She says they can start reducing the backlog by getting rid of buildings that have outlived their usefulness.

Cut 11 (10) “…of those campuses.”

Just four days to go until Election Day. Despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans in early voting and limited polling showing Jamie Davis within striking distance of Julia Letlow, all online forecasters still have Louisiana solidly in Julia Letlow’s column. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says if Davis can come within a few points of victory, it would give the Louisiana Democratic Party a much-needed boost in morale.

Cut 9 (14)  “…but it did.”

The Louisiana Book Festival will be open in Baton Rouge tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Robert Wilson, the executive director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says with the festival on Halloween, Wilson says the event is leaning into the holiday.

Cut 15 (06) “…bit of everything.”

The Board of Regents has learned there are four-billion dollars in deferred maintenance on Louisiana’s college campuses. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Several woods fires along Highway 10 in Vernon Parish have been contained. It took several fire departments working with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and state and federal forestry resources to contain the fires. Investigators say the fires were caused by sparks from a garbage truck with two flat tires.

An advocacy group is calling for more standard vehicle safety features after a three-year-old girl is killed in a Carencro restaurant parking lot. Kace Kieschnick reports.

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Are the early voting numbers a harbinger of things to come on Tuesday? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

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The Board of Regents has learned there are four-billion dollars in deferred maintenance on Louisiana’s college campuses. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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An advocacy group is calling for additional vehicle safety enhancements after a three-year-old girl is killed in a Carencro restaurant parking lot. Investigators say Ka’Mya J’Nae Williams ran out into the parking lot, and a woman who had finished backing up ran her over as she was trying to drive forward and exit the property. Chloe Burke with the group Kids and Car Safety says while backup cameras, which have been mandatory standard equipment since 2018, is certainly good, other camera views, including overhead views, ought to be standard as well across all trim levels.

Cut 4 (07) “…at every level.”

Many vehicles come equipped with autonomous braking, which will stop a vehicle when something is in front of it. But Burke says it’s not always effective in certain situations.

Cut 5 (13) “…hour or lower.”

Burke says no amount of modern vehicle safety technology can substitute for good old fashioned parenting.

Cut 6 (12) “…physically holding them.”

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Are the early voting numbers a harbinger of things to come on Election Day? Not so much, says LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow. He says just because Democrats outnumbered Republicans by 16-thousand in early voting, that doesn’t exactly mean all those Democrats cast their ballots for Jamie Davis.

Cut 7 (12) “…vote for Republicans.”

There were also more than 93-thousand no-party voters casting early and absentee ballots, with additional absentee ballots coming in between now and next Tuesday to be added to that tally. Sadow says how those ballots are marked is anyone’s guess.

Cut 8 (09) “…there than Democrats.”

All that said, with the heavy Black voter turnout, and with the two publicly-released polls showing just four points separating Jamie Davis and Julia Letlow, Sadow says this will be a much closer election than originally forecast – and if Davis can come within a few points of victory, while that will not send him to Washington, it would give the Louisiana Democratic Party a morale boost.

Cut 9 (14)  “…but it did.”

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Four-billion dollars worth of repairs and maintenance is needed on Louisiana’s college campuses, according to a study conducted by a facility management consulting firm. Gordian has spent the last two years assessing the physical shape of Louisiana’s campus buildings. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says it’s a significant backlog in deferred maintenance.

Cut 10 (05) “…just significant challenges.”

Reed says the previous estimate was a two-billion-dollar backlog. She says they can start reducing the backlog by getting rid of buildings that have outlived their usefulness.

Cut 11 (10) “…of those campuses.”

Reed says it will take an annual investment of 777-million dollars in state funding to eventually erase the backlog.

Cut 12 (07) “…work through it.”

Regents will be requesting over 702-million dollars in capital outlay funding for new and continuing projects for the fiscal year 2027-28.

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The Louisiana Book Festival will be open in Baton Rouge tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Robert Wilson, the executive director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says it’s a free celebration of readers, writers and books in downtown Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (12)  “…a fun day.”

Over 200 authors and presenters will be in attendance for dozens of panels, programs and book signings. Wilson says most panels end in a public Q-and-A, and you can chat more with the authors at their various tents. Wilson says writers have told him they enjoy the personal feeling of the Louisiana Book Festival.

Cut 14 (05) “…be talked at.”

With the festival on Halloween, Wilson says the event is leaning into the holiday.

Cut 15 (06) “…bit of everything.”

And he says he knows scary stuff isn’t for everyone, so there is also a large offering of history-related books and programming to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

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Louisiana Tech visits South Alabama in a matchup between the two top teams in the Sun Belt West. The Jaguars have the league’s best rushing attack, but the Bulldogs rank first in total defense and rushing defense in conference play. Tech defensive lineman Justice Williams says they want to dominate offenses.

Cut 16 (16) “…that’s our goal.”

LA Tech running back Dylone Brooks is listed as doubtful to play, and defensive lineman Judd Rouyea is probable to make his first appearance since the LSU game. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

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ULM will look to make it two wins in a row against a 2-and-5 Southern Miss team. Both defenses rank in the bottom two spots in the Sun Belt in yards and points allowed, but Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says each has improved.

Cut 17 (17) “…leaps and bounds.”

ULM Defensive linemen Zyan Tremont and Tyrell Brown are both listed as questionable to return after missing last week’s game against Troy. Kickoff is at 2:30.

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Southeastern Louisiana will look to rebound from a loss to Stephen F. Austin last week against East Texas A&M tomorrow. East Texas has started four different quarterbacks this season, but Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo says he is not worried about not knowing which one to game plan for.

Cut 18 (14)  “…of the four.”

Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

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McNeese hosts Nicholls for homecoming at 2:00 tomorrow afternoon. Both teams are 3-and-5 and 2-and-3 in Southland play. Cowboys coach Matt Viator says his offense is talented but has problems to fix before they face a tough Colonels defense.

Cut 19 (12) “…win this game.”

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Former LSU star Angel Reese helped the Atlanta Dream force game seven of the WNBA Finals with an 80-69 win over the Valkyries yesterday. The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year had 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in the win, but she says the job is not finished.

Cut 20 (09) “…headspace right now.”

The winner-take-all game tips off at 7:00 tomorrow night.