A U-turn in the early voting pattern here in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With over 110,000 residents leaving the state for other parts of the U.S. since 2020, Louisiana is experiencing a net outmigration according to the Council for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Early voting is over in Louisiana; and unlike in previous years, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in casting their ballots early. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says part of that is because of a strong desire to return Donald Trump to the White House.

Cut 3 (13) “…by 58 percent.”

Of course, while the registered party of the early voters is known, how they voted is not. Hogan says while opinion polls show Trump with a comfortable lead, it’s unclear whether he will increase his win margin in the state from four years ago.

Cut 4 (13) “…or from Republicans.”

Hogan says another reason for the increase in the Republican vote is that the Republican Party is coming around to accepting early voting as an important part of the election process.

Cut 5 (15) “…haven’t yet voted.”

Finally, Hogan points out that in the last four years, more newcomers to the state have registered with the Republican Party than with the Democratic Party. If you didn’t take advantage of early voting, your final chance to vote is on Election Day on Tuesday at your assigned precinct’s polling place.

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It’s a sweet time to be a sugar cane grower in Louisiana this year. The state’s sugar cane crops are on pace to produce two-million tons of sugar this year.

Cut 6 (16) “…part of the industry.”

LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Production Specialist Kenneth Gravois (GRAV-wah) says Hurricane Francine affected sugar cane growth in the southernmost parishes.

Cut 7 (15) “…in sugar recovery.”

Gravois says cane tonnage per acre overall is good and should offset some sugar recovery losses in those affected parishes.

Cut 8 (16) “…two-million tons.”

Gravois says while the state could use some rain, it doesn’t need a lot of rain. And he hopes that the state can avoid any significant freezes.

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Louisiana has been experiencing a steady net outmigration trend, with over 110,000 residents leaving the state for other parts of the U.S. since 2020. That’s according to the Council for a Better Louisiana. In 2023 alone, the state saw a net loss of over 29,000 people. CABL President Barry Erwin says this pattern highlights a broader trend in domestic migration within the U.S.

Cut 9 (08)  “…than moving in.”

Erwin says high crime rates, concerns over the education system and limited job opportunities are primary reasons for why people are moving out of the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (05) “…real opportunity.”

Governor Landry says he can turnaround the years of out migration if the legislature approves meaningful tax reform in a special session that begins next week. Erwin says a tax system that promotes job growth can lead to a better Louisiana..

Cut 11 (10) “…better about staying.”

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The Saints have lost six in a row, their longest losing streak since 2005. So how does Owner Gayle Benson feel about the team’s losing ways? In an interview on WWL Radio, General Manager Mickey Loomis says he speaks with Mrs. Benson nearly every day

Cut 12 (14) “…solution.”

Loomis says Benson is in the locker room following every game to talk with the coaches, staff and players. He says the entire organization wants to get this season back on track…

Cut 13 (10)  “…thing around.”

The Saints have an excellent chance to snap the skid this Sunday as they visit Carolina, who has just one win on the season.

Early voting is over in Louisiana; and unlike in previous years, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in casting their ballots early. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says part of that is because of a strong desire to return Donald Trump to the White House.

Cut 3 (13) “…by 58 percent.”

DOTD launches the Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown pilot program in nine high schools. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says this program aims to promote safe driving habits by encouraging students to pledge to buckle up and to avoid using their phones while driving.

Cut 23 (10) “…save peoples lives.”

The school with the highest pledge participation will receive a $5,000 donation from Triple-A.

Little ghouls and goblins will be out in full force on a hunt for fun-sized treats tonight, so be especially on the lookout for them while driving. Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says since 2019, more than three-thousand people have been injured or killed in crashes on Halloween.

Cut 7 (12) “…Year’s Eve holidays.”

Will Mother Nature put a damper on trick-or-treating? LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says scattered showers and storms are expected during the day, but the weather is expected to improve in the nick of time.

Cut 13 (08)  “…down to about 30-percent.”

So that said, you should still make contingency plans just in case rain puts a damper on things.

Little ghouls and goblins will be roaming neighborhoods everywhere this evening, looking for some fun-sized treats. As they do, make sure they know how to stay safe. Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says if there’s a sidewalk, use it. If not, walk against the traffic. 

Cut 9 (16)  “…with oncoming vehicles.”

Since 2019, more than three-thousand people have been killed or hurt in crashes during Halloween.

As for what the weather holds in store for trick or treating, chances are it will be dry, despite what the weather may look like at this hour.

Cut 14 (08) “…that you could.”

So LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says families should make contingency plans just in case.

Nine high schools are participating in DOTD’s Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown pilot program. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says the program aims to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting lifelong safe driving practices among young Louisianans.

Cut 6 (05) “…for safety programs.”

The school with the highest participation receives a five-thousand dollar donation from Triple-A; the second-place school gets 25-hundred.

A new study by Bankrate shows that Americans on average spend just over 14-thousand dollars on infant care. Alex Gailey, an analyst with Bankrate who conducted the study, says one way for parents to offset some of those costs is to take advantage of tax credits.

Cut 12 (10) “…in your pocket.”

The state with the most affordable infant care by percentage of income is South Dakota at just under nine-percent. The least affordable, according to the study, is New Mexico at just over 20-percent.

Depending on where you’re at, the skies may be a little on the dark side with rain approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with a little luck, trick-or-treaters will be able to enjoy their Halloween festivities rain-free. Still, families should make contingency plans just in case.

Cut 15 (09) “…doing your thing.”

DOTD launches the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) High School Showdown pilot program in nine high schools.  Spokesman Rodney Mallett says data from 2019-2023 shows a high risk among young drivers.

Cut 5 (11) “…wont wear their seatbelt.”

The program encourages students to pledge to buckle up and avoid using their phones while driving, with the highest participating school receiving a five-thousand-dollar donation from Triple-A for safety programs.

As most new parents know all too well, caring for infants can get very expensive. How much are Louisianians paying? For the answer, here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The high school graduation rate in Louisiana is on the rise. The State Department of Education says in the 2022-23 academic year, the graduation rate ticked up to 83.2-percent, up a half a point from 82.7 the previous year. National figures from 2022-23 are not yet available, but based on the previous year’s figures, Louisiana’s graduation rate ranks above the national average of 79-percent.

Destination Zero Death, AAA, and DOTD have launched the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) High School Showdown pilot program in nine Louisiana high schools. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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When your little ghouls and goblins are out casing the neighborhood for some yummy treats, make sure they know the dos and don’ts about staying safe. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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As most new parents know all too well, caring for infants can get very expensive. How much are Louisianians paying? For the answer, here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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DOTD in partnership with Destination Zero Deaths and AAA, has launched the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) High School Showdown pilot program in nine Louisiana high schools.  DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says this program aims to promote safe driving habits among students by encouraging them to pledge to buckle up and avoid using their phones while driving.

Cut 4 (10) “…save peoples lives.”

Participating high schools include Berwick, LaGrange, Terrebonne, Plain Dealing, Plainview, Chalmette, Ponchatoula, Walker, and Neville. Mallett says the Buckle UP Phone Down challenge between these schools is needed when recent statistics show unrestrained drivers and and passengers were involved in 34-percent of all fatalities…

Cut 5 (11) “…wont wear their seatbelt.”

Modeled after a successful Missouri initiative, the showdown rewards the top two schools with the highest pledge participation, offering $5,000 and $2,500 donations from AAA for safety programs. Schools are encouraged to use assemblies, classroom lessons, peer presentations, and other events to engage students. Mallett says the goal is to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting lifelong safe driving habits…

Cut 6 (05) “…for safety programs.”

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Little ghouls and goblins will be roaming neighborhoods everywhere this evening, looking for some fun-sized sweet things to enjoy after dinner each night until Thanksgiving. As they do, make sure they know how to stay safe. Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says Halloween is historically one of the deadliest nights of the year in terms of vehicle-pedestrian crashes.

Cut 7 (12) “…Year’s Eve holidays.”

Freeman says while your kids are out trick or treating, make sure they know the do’s and don’ts of walking around in the neighborhood.

Cut 8 (08) “…just for Halloween.”

And if there’s a sidewalk, make sure they use it. If not, be sure to walk against the traffic.

Cut 9 (16)  “…with oncoming vehicles.”

Furthermore, walking on the left side of the road makes it easier for drivers to make eye-contact with pedestrians.

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New parents know all too well how expensive it is to care for newborns. A new study by Bankrate shows that Americans on average spend just over 14-thousand dollars during the first year of their child’s life. Alex Gailey, an analyst with Bankrate who conducted the study, says on average, Louisianians pay slightly less.

Cut 10 (11) “…dollars per month.”

That translates to about 14-percent of a typical family’s income, which is slightly under the national average. Gailey says one thing that families can do to offset those costs is to do a little research on what child care subsidy programs they can take advantage of.

Cut 11 (14) …have nigher incomes.”

Gailey says families can also take advantage of tax credits.

Cut 12 (10) “…in your pocket.”

The state with the most affordable infant care by percentage of income is South Dakota at just under nine-percent. The least affordable, according to the study, is New Mexico at just over 20-percent.

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Louisiana may see some showers on Halloween, but trick-or-treaters can hopefully look forward to a clear evening, according to LSU Public Healt5h Climatologist Barry Keim. Keim says scattered showers and storms are expected during the day, but the weather is expected to improve for evening Halloween festivities.

Cut 13 (08)  “…down to about 30-percent.”

Communities across Louisiana are eagerly watching the forecast, as Halloween night brings neighborhood events, outdoor gatherings, and crowds of costumed children. Keim says families should make contingency plans for rain earlier in the day but stay optimistic

Cut 14 (11) “…that you could.”

For those preparing to head out, Keim suggests keeping an umbrella handy, but also staying tuned to updated forecasts. With a bit of luck, Louisiana trick-or-treaters will be able to enjoy their Halloween festivities rain-free by nightfall.

Cut 15 (09) “…doing your thing.”

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McNeese football coach Gary Goff says redshirt freshman Kamden Sixkiller will be the Cowboys starting quarterback the rest of the season as Clifton McDowell is done for the season with a hand injury. Sixkiller already has several starts under his belt and Goff is eager to see him keep developing…

Cut 16 (15)   “…twice.”

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Saints Quarterback Derek Carr says he hopes to return to action this Sunday against the Panthers in Carolina. Carr has been out since injuring his oblique October 7th late in their loss to the Chiefs. Carr says he had a great day of practice Wednesday and should be ready to go Sunday.

Cut 17 (15) “…it felt great.”

Carr says the injury is the most frustrating injury of his career, as it relegated him to the sidelines as he watched Spencer Rattler guide the team to three straight losses, the last of which he got benched. Carr says Rattler is getting too much of the blame.

Cut 18 (19)   “…team around him.”

The Saints will try to snap their six-game losing streak Sunday in Carolina. Kickoff is at noon.

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ULM is coming off its first Sun Belt defeat as the Warhawks were defeated by South Alabama 46 to 17. But Coach Bryan Vincent says his team is not dismayed

Cut 19 (11) “….success.”  

The Warhawks are back on the road this Saturday against the Marshall Thundering Herd. Marshall is 4-and-3 on the season, winning all four of its games at home. Vincent says his team is embracing the challenge…

Cut 20 (17) “..from any challenge.”

Kick-off is at 2:30 central time.

A 14-year-old boy is killed in a shooting in Terrebonne Parish. First Lieutenant Blake Tabor says the boy was breaking into the vehicles with two other juveniles, one of whom admitted to shooting the boy to death days later.

Cut 7 (11) “…14-year-old child.”

Tabor says while the investigation is still ongoing, they’re not looking for anyone else.

A supplement that’s widely available could be deadly. That’s the warning of St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape after a 36-year-old woman died in part of an overdose of Kratom. Dr. Tape says Kratom has been used for decades.

Cut 11 (16) “…you will overdose.”

Louisiana set a record for in-person early voting, beating its previous high set in 2020 by 32,000 votes. Sean Richardson has the numbers.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

An explosion near Camp Minden in Webster Parish. The LSP Hazardous Material Hotline got a notification from Goex Industries regarding an explosion that occurred at their facility. The facility was evacuated, and no injuries were reported. There is no indication of any threat to public safety and the incident has been contained.

Louisiana has set a record for in-person early voting, with 849,000 voters casting their ballots early in person, compared to 817,000 in 2020. Deputy Secretary of State Joel Watson says they also broke a single-day record on the final day.

Cut 4 (05) “…cast their vote.”

Including absentee ballots, 960,000 Louisianans voted ahead of the November 5 election.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner is warning you about a supplement that’s widely available but could be deadly. Over the summer, a 36-year-old woman died in part of an overdose of the legal drug Kratom. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says since it’s readily available, people might not realize that it’s lethal in excessive doses.

Cut 9 (07)  “…think it’s safe.”

Kratom is not regulated by the FDA, so there are no standards to ensure its safety.

A 14-year-old boy is killed in a shooting in Terrebonne Parish. The shooting happened last Friday in a neighborhood in Chauvin, and the boy’s body was found in a wooded area. First Lieutenant Blake Tabor says the boy’s identity, which the sheriff’s office is not releasing, led to another discovery.

Cut 6 (11) “…several days prior.”

Lieutenant Tabor says the 14-year-old was breaking into the vehicles with two other juveniles, one of whom admitted to shooting the boy to death.

The U-L Lafayette Ragin Cajuns improved to 7-and-1, 4-and-0 in the Sun Belt with a hard fought 23-17 victory at Texas State last night. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs didn’t fare so well. They fell to Sam Houston in a defensive battle, 9-3. Tech falls to 3-and-5, 2-and-3 in Conference USA play.

The State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport. Marketing Manager Russell Adams says the fair has a new operator this year – Talley Amusements out of Fort Worth, Texas.

Cut 4 (09) “…are not, obviously.”

Adams says the State Fair will once again have the full complement of deep-fried, artery-clogging fair food.

And one week from today, state lawmakers will begin a tax reform special session. The governor says his plan will produce more jobs and put more money in the pockets of workers, but Senate President Cameron Henry says there are a lot of questions…

Cut 13 (13)  “…these bills.”

The special session must end by Monday, November 25th.

Police in Avoyelles Parish are looking for the driver who threw three German Shepherd puppies out of the window, killing them. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says there were many options available to that pickup truck driver for those puppies rather than killing them.

Cut 8 (09) “…intended to do.”

The Humane Society is offering a 500-dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

While in New Orleans entertaining hundreds of thousands of Swifties, Taylor Swift made a generous donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank that will make 75,000 meals possible for South Louisiana families. Chief Strategy Officer John Sillars says the food bank provides nutritious food to families in 23 parishes by distributing it to community food pantries…

Cut 12 (10) “…to those pantries.”

For more information, visit “No Dash Hunger Dot Org.”

A week from today state lawmakers will begin a tax reform special session. The Landry Administration is seeking to reduce corporate and income rates, while broadening the services subject to sales taxes. Senate President Cameron Henry says the nearly three-week long special session might not be enough time as legislators have a lot to consider…

Cut 14 (11) “…regular session.”

The State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport. Marketing Manager Russell Adams says the State Fair will once again have the full complement of deep-fried, artery-clogging fair food.

Cut 5 (14) “…are really good.”

The State Fair runs through November 17th and is closed November 4th, 11th and 12th.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is offering a 500-dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who threw three German Shepherd puppies out of the window, killing them. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says incidents like these underscore the importance of spaying or neutering your pets.

Cut 9 (20)  “…place these responsibly.”

Early voting in Louisiana is over, and this year was a record-breaker. The state not only broke the record for the highest single-day turnout with 99-thousand showing up yesterday, but it also broke the record for the highest overall turnout with almost 818-thousand casting votes early – and that doesn’t include the mail-in ballots.

The State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The City of New Orleans wasn’t the only part of Louisiana to benefit from Taylor Swift’s visit. She left a generous donation to The Second Harvest Food Bank. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A special session on tax reform begins a week from today and lawmakers are doing their homework now, knowing that changing tax policy is complicated. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport. Marketing Manager Russell Adams says the fair has a new operator this year – Talley Amusements out of Fort Worth, Texas.

Cut 4 (14) “…is just superb.”

Adams says the State Fair will once again have the full complement of deep-fried, artery-clogging fair food.

Cut 5 (14) “…are really good.”

The fair will feature lots of live music, a livestock show and the LRCA Finals Rodeo.

Cut 6 (10) “…of the LRCA.”

The State Fair runs through November 17th and is closed November 4th, 11th and 12th.

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is offering a 500-dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who threw three German Shepherd puppies out of the window in Avoyelles Parish, killing them. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says a driver observed what he thought was trash being thrown from the pickup truck on Highway 1185 between Mansula and Morauville, but it turned out to be something else entirely.

Cut 7 (13) “…on the pavement.”

Those two puppies ended up dying of their injuries at a veterinarian’s office. Dorson says there were many options available to that pickup truck driver for those puppies rather than killing them.

Cut 8 (09) “…intended to do.”

Dorson says this underscores the importance of spaying or neutering your pets.

Cut 9 (20)  “…place these responsibly.”

If you have any information, call the Humane Society of Louisiana.

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The impact of Taylor Swift’s visit to New Orleans goes beyond her record-breaking Eras Tour. She made a generous donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank that will make 75,000 meals possible for South Louisiana families in need. Chief Strategy Officer, John Sillars…

Cut 10 (11) “…across the country.”

Swift recently made significant donations to areas impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Sillars says, Swift’s gift goes beyond monetary value, it brings attention to a serious issue in Louisiana…

Cut 11 (10) …one in four.”

More Louisiana children and seniors experience food insecurity than those in any other state. Sillars says Second Harvest Food Bank provides nutritious food to families in 23 parishes by distributing it to community food pantries…

Cut 12 (10) “…to those pantries.”

Families in need can reach out to their local food pantry. Information for those in need and for anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can be found at “No Dash Hunger Dot Org.”

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A week from today state lawmakers will begin a tax reform special session. The Landry Administration is seeking to reduce corporate and income rates, while broadening the services subject to sales taxes. The governor says the plan will produce more jobs and put more money in the pockets of workers, but Senate President Cameron Henry says there are a lot of questions…

Cut 13 (13)  “…these bills.”

The special session must end by Monday, November 25th. Henry says the nearly three week long special session might not be enough time as legislators have a lot to consider…

Cut 14 (11) “…regular session.”

The Louisiana Senate did not go along with all of Landry’s proposals in the special sessions and the regular session that took place earlier this year. But Henry says the Louisiana Senate is eager to deliver meaningful tax reform…

Cut 15 (12) “…as well.”

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After a tough loss to Texas A&M in College Station, the LSU Tigers have two weeks to prepare for their game against Alabama. After practice yesterday, Head Coach Brian Kelly talked about the team’s lack of running game against the Aggies.

Cut 16 (22)   “…the running game.”

Another thing that Kelly talked to his team about at practice today is the importance of playing a full 60-minute game, saying the A&M game only got out of hand late.

Cut 17 (14) “…finish a game.”

Of course, LSU’s passing game wasn’t up to snuff either, with Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier throwing three interceptions, including late in the game when they needed scoring drives to have a chance to win. Kelly says Nussmeier’s confidence is not cracked, nor can it be.

Cut 18 (16)   “…away from it.”

Nussmeier, the running game and the kicking game, which missed three field goal attempts last week, will have a week and a half to right the ship before facing the Alabama Crimson Tide at Death Valley. Kickoff next Saturday is at 6:30 p.m.