Just five days to go before Election Day, and the Jamie Davis campaign is feeling a little more optimistic after early voting, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans at the polls by 16-thousand. There were more than 92-thousand no-party voters casting early and absentee ballots, and LSU New Orleans Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says the big caveat is we don’t know HOW they voted.

Cut 3 (08) “…particular individuals voted.”

Chervenak’s colleague at LSU Shreveport, Jeffrey Sadow, says this will be a much closer election than originally forecast – and 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.”

A three-year-old girl is dead after being hit by a vehicle in a restaurant parking lot in Carencro. Investigators say Ka’Mya J’Nae Williams ran into the parking lot, and a driver ran her over while pulling forward to leave. They say alcohol was not a factor, and no charges are expected to be filed. Carencro Police Chief David Anderson says this incident has shaken the entire community to the core.

Cut 8 (09) “…obviously traumatized also.”

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is inviting parents with kids under five years old to participate in its annual Parent Poll to learn about their child care arrangements. LPIC Research Director Heather Cope says it’s added questions to this year’s survey to find out if parents are satisfied with the care their child is receiving or if they wish they had better options.

Cut 10 (08) “…afford.”

A three-year-old girl is dead after being hit in a restaurant parking lot. Investigators say Ka’Mya J’Nae Williams ran out into the parking lot, and a woman ran her over after she had finished backing up and was pulling forward to drive off. Carencro Police Chief David Anderson says the incident came after a Trunk-and-Treat that was held at the Walk-On’s.

Cut 7 (07) “…they participated at.”

The driver is not expected to face any charges.

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents who have children under the age of five to participate in their annual poll to find out about their child care arrangements. Heather Cope oversees research at LPIC and she says the input parents and guardians give is critical to understanding the needs of Louisiana families.

Cut 9 (09)  “…child care.”

Just five days to go until Election Day, and we’re getting analysis on where the U.S. Senate race stands. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

We now know when the celebration of life for legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be held. It will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center – the same building where he coached the Tigers for 25 years, including two Final Four appearances. Brown passed away last Friday at the age of 90.

Tragedy in Carencro as a toddler is hit and killed in a restaurant parking lot. Carencro Police Chief David Anderson says shortly after eight Tuesday night, a three-year-old girl ran into the parking lot at the Walk-On’s restaurant and was hit by a vehicle.

Cut 6 (09) “…into the driveway.”

The girl, who has been identified in a GoFundMe campaign as Ka’Mya J’Nae Williams, died of her injuries at a hospital.

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is inviting parents with kids under five years old to participate in their annual Parent Poll to learn about their child care arrangements. LPIC Research Director Heather Cope says they added questions to this year’s survey to find out if parents are satisfied with the care their child is receiving or if they wish they had better options.

Cut 10 (08) “…afford.” 

Election Day is now just five days away. LSU New Orleans Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak believes while the Senate Race between Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis has tightened a little, Letlow remains the prohibitive favorite to win.

Cut 4 (08) “…to 88-percent.”

An LSU legend helps the Dream avert a nightmare in Atlanta. Behind 15 points and 14 rebounds by Angel Reese, the Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries in Game Six of the WNBA Finals, 80-69. The game was moved to State Farm Arena and had to be played in the afternoon, because the Hawks have a home game this evening. Had the Valkyries won, they might have had to move their championship celebration to a practice court to accommodate the quick floor change. But with Atlanta extending the series to a seventh game, the two teams will just quickly shower up and board a flight to San Francisco.

A three-year-old girl is dead after being hit by a vehicle in a restaurant parking lot in Carencro. Investigators say Ka’Mya J’Nae Williams ran into the parking lot, and a driver ran her over while pulling forward to leave. They say alcohol was not a factor in the crash, and no charges are expected to be filed. Carencro Police Chief David Anderson says this incident has shaken the entire community to the core.

Cut 8 (09) “…obviously traumatized also.”

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents who have children under the age of five to participate in their annual poll to find out about their child care arrangements. Heather Cope oversees research at LPIC and she says the input parents and guardians give is critical to understanding the needs of Louisiana families.

Cut 9 (09)  “…child care.”

Just five days to go until Election Day, and we’re getting analysis on where the U.S. Senate race stands. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

We now know when the celebration of life for legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be held. It will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center – the same building where he coached the Tigers for 25 years, including two Final Four appearances. Brown passed away last Friday at the age of 90.

Northwestern State is raffling off a 265-thousand-dollar home, with the proceeds going to support the school’s athletics department. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana State Fair gets underway today at the Fairgrounds in Shreveport. Joe Gallinaro has preview.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

The two biggest online sports betting companies are facing a class action lawsuit filed in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________

You could win a 265-thousand-dollar home by purchasing a 100-dollar raffle ticket from the Northwestern State athletics department. NSU partnered with Rhodes Properties and Developments to create the Demon Dream Home Giveaway to support the operating budgets for the school’s 14 varsity sports. Northwestern State Athletic Director Kevin Bostian (“Boston”) says they approached him with the idea of donating the three-bedroom house to raffle off, and he was all for it.

Cut 4 (10) “…backs of donors.”

The over 14-hundred-square-foot house is located in the new Hidden Oak subdivision near Sibley Lake in Natchitoches. The deadline to purchase a raffle ticket is Tuesday, and a winner will be drawn next Friday. Bastion says other prizes are available, and you can do whatever you want with the house.

Cut 5 (13) “…help do that.”

Bastion says operating costs are higher than ever, and Northwestern State is getting creative to generate revenue. He says the athletics department recently hosted a country music concert, and the Demon Dream Home giveaway is another initiative that has been received well.

Cut 6 (12) “…not on individuals.”

Bastion says he hopes to generate a couple hundred thousand dollars to be split among Northwestern State’s 14 athletics programs with nearly 400 student-athletes.

______________________________________________

The State Fair of Louisiana begins its 120th year today at the Fairgrounds in Shreveport. One of the great new attractions is the Freedom 250 Wheel. The 110-foot Ferris wheel was in Washington D-C this past summer for the Great American Fair. Russell Adams with the Louisiana State Fair says their carnival operator, Talley Amusements, owns the Ferris wheel.

Cut 7 (11) “…the State Fair.”

The Louisiana State Fair runs through November 15th and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Adams says it’s the largest livestock show and carnival in the state. He says there’s something for everyone.

Cut 8 (10) “…a petting zoo.”

Adams says the State Fair of Louisiana attracts 128-thousand people.

Cut 9 (04)  “…the State Fair.”

_________________________________________________________

Eligible Entergy Louisiana customers can apply for a one-time 100-dollar bill credit. The credit is issued through local United Way chapters throughout the state. Tami Chrisope (CHRIS-up) with the United Way of Southwest Louisiana says eligibility is expanded beyond customers living below the federal poverty level.

Cut 10 (08) “…necessities every month.”

Chrisope says Entergy Louisiana takes pride in this venture.

Cut 11 (06) “…are their customers.”

Chrisope says applicants will need to provide a photo ID and either the first page of their 2025 tax returns, their 2025 W-2s, their most recent pay stubs or their 1099 or 1042S forms.

Cut 12 (11) “…things like that.”

Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available.

_________________________________________________________

A class action lawsuit has been filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court against online sports betting giants DraftKings and FanDuel. Attorney Jennifer Hoekstra (HOKE-strah), who represents plaintiffs Adrian Payton, Toi Smith and Yolanda Perkins, says the two companies go to great lengths to keep users addicted to online gambling.

Cut 13 (10)  “…them back in.”

Hoekstra says DraftKings and FanDuel use predatory methods to keep users addicted so that they can maximize their profits.

Cut 14 (09) “…a thousand dollars.”

Hoekstra says the suit also names the two casino licensees, Amelia Belle Casino and Bally’s Baton Rouge, whose state licenses anchor the apps’ operation in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (12) “…through their licenses.”

Together, DraftKings and FanDuel hold 75-percent of the online betting market in Louisiana.

___________________________________________

During the bye week, LSU is preparing for its biggest game yet. The Tigers host tenth-ranked Alabama next Saturday, and coach Lane Kiffin says the Crimson Tide are more talented than any team they have faced this season.

Cut 16 (19) “…teams we played.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is set for 2:30. It will be the first day meeting between LSU and Alabama in Baton Rouge since 2010. Kiffin says he never even considered the game would not be played at night, but he jokes that it makes sense given the feathers his Tigers might have ruffled in the league offices this year.

Cut 17 (12) “…I’m not surprised.”

Kiffin says the bye week will be a good chance to get players healthy and even try guys out at new positions, but he is upset that it comes right as the team is finding its rhythm. Quarterback Sam Leavitt and the offense have been playing some of their best ball the last two weeks, and Kiffin says one of his biggest joys in coaching is seeing improvement.

Cut 18 (15)  “…the players’ development.”

__________________________________________

ULM secured that elusive first victory this season with a 21-14 comeback win over Troy. Coach Bryant Vincent says they have played a lot of close games this season.

Cut 19 (20) “…bring that back.”

The Warhawks return home to host Southern Miss this weekend. The Golden Eagles are also coming off their first FBS win this season with a 35-31 win against UL Lafayette.

Southern Miss allows more yards than any team in the Sun Belt, but the offense ranks in the top half of the league. Vincent says the way they have improved the last few weeks reminds him of his own team, and the Warhawks need to be ready for coach Blake Anderson’s offense.

Cut 20 (16) “…everybody some problems.”

Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.

Early voting wrapped up with Democrats outnumbering Republicans at the polls by almost 16-thousand among the nearly 521-thousand early and absentee ballots cast. Former Democratic lawmaker Melissa Flournoy tells Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana it underscores the energy and enthusiasm Democrats have for Jamie Davis and in this election as a whole.

Cut 11 (10) “…African American leader.”

Citing the two publicly-released polls that show Julia Letlow leading Davis by a much smaller margin than originally forecast, a Letlow supporter said at an early voting kickoff event last week that this election cannot be taken for granted.

Cut 12 (08) “…out and vote.”

Election Day is next Tuesday; polls are open from six a-m to eight p-m. Along with the U.S. Senate general election, it’s also the open primary for the six U.S. House races, and voters will decide ten constitutional amendments.

The final month of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday. So far, the 2026 season has produced just 10 named storms and one hurricane. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says as expected, El Nino has limited storm formation this year. He says this will be two years in a row that Louisiana did not have a hurricane make landfall along the state’s coast.

Cut 8 (11) “…juncture.”

The State Fair of Louisiana begins its 120th year tomorrow at the Fairgrounds in Shreveport. One of the great new attractions is the Freedom 250 Wheel, which was in Washington D-C this past summer for the Great American Fair. Russell Adams with the Louisiana State Fair says their carnival operator, Talley Amusements, owns the ferris wheel.

Cut 23 (11) “…State Fair.”

Early voting for the November 3rd election is over. Joe Gallinaro breaks down the numbers.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A man who Terrebonne Parish investigators say stabbed four people to death and injured a young boy is indicted on murder charges. 47-year-old Kaegan Jude Solet is indicted on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder in the mid-September incident. The motive for the attack remains unclear at this time.

With less than a week to go until Election Day, how are supporters of Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis feeling? Former Democratic lawmaker Melissa Flournoy tells Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana that Davis has run a great campaign, especially with limited resources.

Cut 9 (09)  “…you can trust.”

At an event in Lafayette last week that marked the kickoff to early voting, a Letlow supporter said the congresswoman is the only viable option to send to the U.S. Senate.

Cut 10 (11) “…to be Julia.” 

October comes to an end later this week and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the 2026 hurricane season is likely done for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (09) “…state of Louisiana.”

Early voting in the November 3rd election is over. Almost 521-thousand voters cast ballots in the seven days of early voting, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans by almost 16-thousand. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says while that may be cause for concern for Julia Letlow for the time being, she may be bolstered by the U.S. House races in districts five and six on Election Day.

Cut 3 (11) “…might incur statewide.”

Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Louisiana’s state credit rating from Double-A negative (AA-) to Double-A (AA), with a stable outlook. State Treasurer John Fleming says a stronger credit rating can help access capital markets on more favorable terms, potentially reducing borrowing costs.

Cut 14 (08) “…for the taxpayer.”

FMOL Health is helping those who can’t easily get to a clinic to get screened for breast cancer by unveiling its new mobile mammography unit. Dr. Chris Funes (FOO-nez), the medical director for ambulatory quality for FMOL Health, says screenings are by appointment.

Cut 13 (10)  “…get them screened.” 

The National Retail Federation expects shoppers to increase their spending on Halloween costumes this year. N-R-F Senior Analyst Lea Grgich says nearly half of consumers are using A-I to help with their Halloween shopping this year.

Cut 10 (07) “…during product research.”

Grgich says classic Halloween characters like witches and vampires remain popular costume choices for adults, while comic book characters like Batman and Spider-Man dominate costume choices for kids.

Yesterday, we heard from three of the six Republicans vying for the open seat in the fifth congressional district. Today, we’re hearing from two of the three Democrats in that race. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The National Retail Federation says Halloween spending is up slightly this year, with consumers spending on average 115 dollars per person. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

One of the big three credit rating agencies upgrades Louisiana’s bond rating and revises the state’s overall credit rating outlook from positive to stable. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

___________________________________________

While six Republicans are vying for the open seat in the solidly-Republican Fifth District, three Democrats are seeking the seat as well. Two of them – Pat Moore and Dan McKay – appeared at Monday’s candidate forum in Baton Rouge. McKay says Democrats have one major priority should they win control of the House of Representatives, as they’re widely expected to do at this point.

Cut 4 (07) “…controlling Donald Trump.”

The three Republicans on the panel all said they would support a national ban on abortions, with Gabe Firment citing his Christian faith in his viewpoint. McKay says he opposes a national abortion ban.

Cut 5 (05) “…address that subject.”

Moore noted that her own birth was the result of a rape, and she expressed gratitude that her mother did not abort her. She said it’s her duty as a state representative to protect babies while they’re in the womb, and that “pro life” should not end at childbirth.

Cut 6 (11) “…will do that.”

Moore says she disagrees with Republicans who oppose increasing the wealth cap to protect Social Security.

Cut 7 (06) “…more middle class.”

___________________________________________

For many people, Halloween is one of their favorite holidays. And according to the National Retail Federation, Americans are spending a little more on Halloween this year. N-R-F Senior Analyst Lea Grgich says 74-percent of those surveyed plan to celebrate Halloween, with many expecting to spend more than 100 dollars on the spooky holiday.

Cut 8 (07) “…year’s spending level.”

Grgich says shoppers are expected to spend two-billion dollars on adult Halloween costumes. She says classic Halloween characters remain popular.

Cut 9 (08)  “…and Spider-Man.”

Grgich says comic book characters dominate Halloween costume choices for kids. She says nearly half of consumers are using A-I to help with their Halloween shopping this year.

Cut 10 (07) “…during product research.”

___________________________________________

FMOL Health is helping those who can’t easily get to a clinic to get screened for breast cancer by unveiling its new mobile mammography unit. Dr. Chris Funes (FOO-nez), the medical director for ambulatory quality for FMOL Health, says it will help increase the availability for this essential preventative screening.

Cut 11 (09) “…saving potentially screening.”

Dr. Funes says this mobile mammography unit was designed specifically with rural and underserved areas in mind.

Cut 12 (12) “…come to them.”

The unit is launching its maiden voyage in its Our Lady of the Lake service community, from Baton Rouge to the Northshore. Later, it will visit Acadiana and North Louisiana. Funes says screenings are by appointment.

Cut 13 (10)  “…get them screened.”

The mobile mammography unit is equipped with everything that a brick-and-mortar clinic has, and appointments take the same length of time.

_______________________________________

Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Louisiana’s state credit rating from Double-A negative (AA-) to Double-A (AA), with a stable outlook. State Treasurer John Fleming says a stronger credit rating can help access capital markets on more favorable terms, potentially reducing borrowing costs.

Cut 14 (08) “…for the taxpayer.”

Fitch Ratings upgraded the state’s credit rating based on three successful years of budget policy improvements that started with the revenue policy changes in 2024 that reduced a projected structural budget gap. Fleming says Louisiana has been committed to sound financial management.

Cut 15 (08) “…that we’re showing.”

Louisiana finished last fiscal year with an estimated 565-million-dollar surplus.

Fleming says an improved bond rating is more than a number on a financial report. He says it sends a positive signal about Louisiana’s creditworthiness and ability to meet financial obligations.

Cut 16 (09) “…for everyone concerned.”

___________________________________________

Southern goes on the road for a third straight game after losing to Texas Southern on a last-second field goal last week. The Jaguars will travel to face Florida A&M on Saturday at two p-m. Both teams are 1-and-3 in SWAC play, and Southern coach Marshall Faulk says that is not where the similarity stops.

Cut 17 (21) “…just don’t know.”

Fifth-year senior defensive end Ckelby (“kelby”) Givens had six tackles in his return last week after being sidelined the previous two games with a concussion. Givens has been a star edge rusher for the Jags, but Faulk is determined to use him as an off-ball linebacker as well. He says he will need those skills at the next level.

Cut 18 (17)  “…he understands that.”

__________________________________________

Louisiana Tech has an opportunity to tighten its grip on the Sun Belt West lead with a game at second-place South Alabama on Saturday. Bulldogs quarterback Blake Baker is the highest-rated passer in the conference with a 72-percent completion percentage and 10 touchdown passes to just one interception. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says Baker has been in the program for four seasons, but he has made just 12 starts.

Cut 19 (19) “…very high level.”

South Alabama is coming off its first Sun Belt loss and is led by the top rushing offense in the conference. Tech has allowed a league-best 70 rushing yards per game in conference play, and Cumbie says his team will need to be ready for the Jaguars.

Cut 20 (10) “…the play action.”

Kickoff in Mobile is at 2 p.m.

According to the CDC, Louisiana has the highest rate of flu activity of any state in the Continental United States. Dr. Fred Lopez, a professor of medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, says this is a relatively early start to flu season.

Cut 3 (12) “…time of year.”

Some scary moments on the campus of Southern University yesterday evening as a student is accidentally shot on campus. Baton Rouge Police Corporal Saundra Watts says 19-year-olds Jiqueze Dillon and Robert Washington were with a 20-year-old student in the parking lot at University Apartments

Cut 9 (13)  “…struck the victim.”

The victim is expected to survive his injuries. Dillon and Washington are both facing charges.

The Shreveport Regional Airport is offering daily nonstop flights to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport for the first time in 18 years. Airport spokesman Mark Crawford says the once-daily flight leaves between seven AM and nine AM and takes about two hours to arrive at O’Hare.

Cut 7 (12) “…United Airlines.”

Crawford says if demand is high, a second daily flight could be added, as they’ve seen with flights to Charlotte and Denver.

The global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Louisiana’s state credit rating from Double-A negative (AA-) to Double-A (AA), with a Stable Outlook. State Treasurer John Fleming says a stronger credit rating can help access capital markets on more favorable terms, potentially reducing borrowing costs.

Cut 14 (08) “…taxpayer.”