Election Day is one month from tomorrow, and Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis are in a mad dash to the finish line in the U.S. Senate race. Letlow tells Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that speaking directly with voters is more effective than the traditional rally and stump speech.

Cut 14 (08) “…and over again.”

Once the general election matchup was decided, political analysts had predicted a decisive Letlow victory.  As such, there have been only two publicly-released polls, both of which were commissioned by the Davis campaign. Both of them show only a four-point margin between the two. Davis says given the fact that he’s within striking distance of Letlow, he’s been busy traveling the state, trying to meet as many voters as he can.

Cut 16 (10) “…people of Louisiana.”

The ULM School of Construction Management gets a 229-thousand-dollar donation from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and the Contractors’ Education Trust Fund. School Director Dr. Clint Martin says among other things, the money will come in handy for external events the school participates in every year, including a Mardi Gras parade, for which they have a float.

Cut 8 (07) “…over the years.”

The Saints will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their return to the Superdome Monday night against the Falcons. Steve Gleason, who made the single most famous play in the team’s regular season history, will be among those honored at the game. Saints VP of Brand Strategy Shirin Braden says Team Gleason has been very involved in ensuring Monday night is unforgettable.

Cut 12 (07) “…Who Dat chant.”

Also among those being honored will be Curtis Deloatch, who recovered Gleason’s blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is back from a trip to Japan, where he fed Japanese people gumbo and Tabasco ice cream. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Just over 20 years after Steve Gleason’s iconic blocked punt, the Saints and Falcons will return to the Superdome on Monday Night Football. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Election Day is one month from tomorrow, and the candidates for U.S. Senate are pulling out all the stops. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is back in Louisiana after a nine-day trip to Japan that he hopes will result in more Japanese people visiting Louisiana. Nungesser says on Monday, a luncheon was held that showcased Louisiana’s music, culture, and food to 100 Japanese journalists, bloggers and social media influencers.

Cut 4 (08) “…stole the show.”

The trip was conducted in partnership with Mississippi River Country, and Louisiana was one of seven states participating. The Louisiana delegation participated in the Tourism EXPO Japan, one of the country’s largest tourism trade and media events. Nungesser says visitors to Louisiana’s booth received a sample of Tabasco ice cream.

Cut 5 (13) “…coming to Louisiana.”

Japan is the second largest overseas visitor market to the United States. Japan is the tenth largest overseas market for travel to Louisiana, with about 10-thousand visitors from that country coming to the state in 2025, generating nearly 18-million dollars in economic impact. Nungesser says the visit to Japan is about getting Louisiana on the minds of people who are already interested in coming to America.

Cut 6 (07) “…next several years.”

Nearly half of Louisiana’s Japanese visitors travel alone, and more than 65-percent visit for business-related reasons. The state would like to see more Japanese families visit Louisiana.

__________________________________________

It’s a hefty donation for the ULM School of Construction Management. In a ceremony last Friday, the school received 229-thousand dollars from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and the Contractors’ Education Trust Fund. School Director Dr. Clint Martin says the money will be put to good use.

Cut 7 (07) “…their classes in.”

Dr. Martin says the school gets similar donations from those two entities every year, and the money will also come in handy for the external events the school participates in every year, including a Mardi Gras parade, for which they have a float.

Cut 8 (07) “…over the years.”

The money used for the donation came from licensing fees paid by contractors to the licensing board, which is distributed to schools of construction, including the one at ULM. Martin says in all, the money will greatly enhance the learning experience for the students at the School of Construction Management.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the licensing board.”

To date, the two entities have donated almost 4.5-million dollars to the ULM School of Construction Management, allowing it to improve facilities, technology and student experiences.

__________________________________________________

The Saints host the Falcons on Monday Night Football, and the team has big plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team’s return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Shirin Braden, the vice president of brand strategy for the Saints, says Saints legends and New Orleans music icons will help remember a historic night in Louisiana sports.

Cut 10 (11) “…as a whole.”

Although kickoff is not until 7:15, the celebration kicks off at 4:00 in Champions Square, where Steve Gleason’s new music album, “Rebirth,” will debut. Braden says Irma Thomas will sing the national anthem as she did in 2006, and Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will headline a halftime show featuring Eric Church, Kirk Franklin, Juvenile and Cyril and Ivan Neville.

Cut 11 (08) “…to the dome.”

Several players from the 2006 team, including Gleason, Drew Brees and Curtis Deloatch — who recovered Gleason’s blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown — will be honored at the game. Braden says Team Gleason has been very involved in ensuring Monday night is unforgettable.

Cut 12 (07) “…Who Dat chant.”

__________________________________________________

Election Day is one month from tomorrow, and Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis are in the mad dash to the finish line in the U.S. Senate race, trying to secure as many votes as possible. Letlow tells Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that she’s been busy traveling the entire state listening to constituents.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the future are.”

Letlow says speaking directly with voters is more effective than the traditional rally and stump speech.

Cut 14 (08) “…and over again.”

Once the general election matchup was decided, political analysts had predicted a decisive Letlow victory. But in this campaign, only two opinion polls have been publicly released, both of which were commissioned by the Davis campaign, and they show Letlow leading Davis by only four points. Davis points out that the four-point margin in the latter poll was the response before respondents were told of the candidates’ backgrounds, and many did not know who he was.

Cut 15 (07) “…a plus-nine.”

Davis says sensing that the race is actually winnable, he’s been busy criss-crossing the state, trying to meet as many voters as he can.

Cut 16 (10) “…people of Louisiana.”

When Haldane asked Letlow about the latest poll, her entire word-for-word response was, “It’s a bogus poll.”

_______________________________________________________________

LSU is back in action tomorrow night against McNeese. Coach Lane Kiffin said we could see a lot of backups in as the Tigers look to avoid any more injuries. Safety Jhase Thomas earned his first start last week because of those injuries and says senior safety Ty Benefield was a big help in his first start.

Cut 17 (18) “…lot to me.”

Thomas says he was able to get advice from a lot of veterans on the LSU defense as he prepared to face the Aggies.

Cut 18 (16) “…get myself prepared.”

The Tigers and Cowboys are scheduled to kick off at 6:45 in Tiger Stadium.

_______________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech returns to action against Army tomorrow. The Black Knights have the nation’s most productive rushing attack thanks to their trademark triple-option offense. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says Army hogging the time of possession is a legit concern.

Cut 19 (18) “…the first quarter.”

Cumbie did not confirm whether starting quarterback Blake Baker would be back from a fractured throwing hand he suffered against LSU. Trey Kukuk started against Baylor, and Cumbie says the offense is the same no matter who is under center.

Cut 20 (15) “…of the football.”

Kickoff in Joe Aillet Stadium is at 6:30.

Following a postgame brawl, one football team’s season is over, and another team will play the rest of the season on the road. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A campaign mailer for a candidate for district attorney in Livingston Parish included the routing number and account number of the parish’s bank account. The Advocate reports Councilmember Erin Sandefur admitted to sharing the checks with Sherman Mack’s campaign. As a result, she’s now the subject of a criminal investigation.

Forecasters are predicting rainfall totals from an inch and a half to four inches of rain through Sunday for central and south Louisiana. Danielle Manning with the National Weather Service in Slidell says scattered thunderstorms are expected through tomorrow, and more widespread rain for south Louisiana is expected this weekend.

Cut 3 (10) “…Saturday and Sunday.”

If your property has a lot of bright outdoor lighting, you’re asked to turn them off at night. That’s because we’re into the fall migrating season, and bright lights can cause birds to become disoriented when they’re flying at night. Charles Williams, a board member of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, says that disorientation might cause those birds to fly directly into tall buildings.

Cut 7 (06) “…in North America.”

The LHSAA comes down hard on a pair of football teams involved in a postgame brawl last Friday night. After Assumption’s 16-6 home victory over Carroll, some Carroll players got into a confrontation with some Assumption fans. Aaron Dietrich, the sports director at KNOE-TV in Monroe, says as a result, Carroll’s season is over, and Assumption will play the remainder of its schedule on the road.

Cut 9 (14)  “…games this year.”

It’s going to be a wet weekend throughout Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist Danielle Manning says locally heavy rain and flash flooding is possible for a good portion of the state on Saturday, and that threat continues for southeast Louisiana on Sunday. She says some areas could receive a half foot of rain.

Cut 5 (08) “…develop.”

Two Louisiana Tech students have been arrested for using a racial slur repeatedly in a social media video that went viral. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 1 (23) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

If you have lots of outdoor lighting on your property, you’re asked to turn them down or off at night for the time being. That’s because this is fall migration season for birds. Charles Williams, a board member of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the founder of Lights Out Louisiana, says bright lights are very bad for birds flying at night.

Cut 6 (09) “…lot of lighting.”

And that could cause birds to fly directly into buildings.

Election Day is just over a month away, and Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis are in a mad dash to the finish line in the U.S. Senate race. The congresswoman tells Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that speaking directly with voters is more effective than the traditional rally and stump speech.

Cut 14 (08) “…and over again.”

In this campaign, only two opinion polls have been publicly released, both of which were commissioned by the Davis Campaign, and they show Letlow leading Davis by only four points. Davis points out that the four-point margin in the latter poll was the response before respondents were told of the candidates’ backgrounds, and many did not know who he was.

Cut 15 (07) “…a plus-nine.”

When Haldane asked Letlow about the latest poll, her entire word-for-word response was, “It’s a bogus poll.”

Cut 23 (fade after 5 seconds and use as bed)

And for the next few weeks, you’re asked to dim all your outdoor lights so that migrating birds can go all the way. That’s because bright lights can disorient them, causing them to fly directly into buildings. Lights Out Louisiana Founder Charles Williams says you can go to the Bird Cast website to follow the birds’ migration.

Cut 8 (08) “…about two weeks.”

We’re now into fall – and that’s what the rain will be doing this weekend. In fact, some areas of central and south Louisiana could see as much as four inches of rain through Sunday. National Weather Service Meteorologist Danielle Manning says that could put a damper on several football games Saturday, including LSU’s home game against McNeese.

Cut 4 (09) “…not ideal.”

The LHSAA has ended one school’s football season. After Assumption beat Carroll on its home field last Friday night, some Carroll players got into a brawl with some Assumption fans. As a result, the LHSAA has cancelled the remainder of Carroll’s season. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says the school did not follow standard travel procedures.

Cut 10 (13) “…situations like this.” 

The percentage of AP exams taken by Louisiana students that earned a high enough score for college credit had the largest increase of any state since 2019. Deputy State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson says Louisiana’s AP score rate has improved at more than twice the national rate of growth.

Cut 15 (07) “…Advanced Placement scores.”

Could UL Lafayette, ULM and Louisiana Tech drop to the FCS? That’s what one member of the Louisiana Board of Regents is suggesting. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The arrival of Buc-ee’s in Lafayette has long been anticipated, and we now have a date for the groundbreaking – November 9th. The ceremony will take place that morning at 11 o’clock at the site on Louisiana Avenue at I-10. It will have 120 gas pumps and arguably the cleanest restrooms you’ll ever find.

In a recent budget meeting, a Louisiana Board of Regents member suggested ULL, ULM and Louisiana Tech should drop to the FCS. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs secures a major grant to establish a Veterans Business Outreach Center. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana ranks first among all states for the largest percentage increase in students who score well enough on AP exams to earn college credit. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________

Could a trio of Louisiana college football teams step down a level? That’s what one member of the Louisiana Board of Regents is suggesting. During the University of Louisiana System budget hearings, Wilbert Pryor suggested UL Lafayette, ULM and Louisiana Tech should all drop from the FBS to the FCS. Pryor, who’s a Shreveport attorney, says all three of the schools’ athletics departments are operating in deficits.

Cut 4 (09) “…10-million-dollars.”

UL System President Rick Gallot agreed that cost reduction steps must be taken but is waiting on a sustainability evaluation from Deloitte to make his recommendations to the board. He says the board will not shy away from tough decisions.

Cut 5 (09) “…like for athletics.”

Pryor says he doesn’t think much of the public will tell the difference if all three schools play at the same level.

Cut 6 (12) “…with your enrollment.”

Other UL system schools — Grambling, McNeese, Nicholls, Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana — already play in the FCS.

__________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs secures a grant of 175-thousand dollars a year for the next five years from the Small Business Administration to establish a Veterans Business Outreach Center in the state. The V-BOC will fund entrepreneurship training, counseling and technical assistance at no cost to veterans, active-duty service members and their families. Secretary Charlton Meginley notes that currently, the closest one from Louisiana is in Starkville, Mississippi.

Cut 7 (06) “…all the opportunities.”

Meginley says the V-BOC will be established and operated by The Boot, an organization dedicated to attracting, retaining and advancing military talent across the state.

Cut 8 (12) “…house the V-BOC.”

The Boot CEO Ben Armstrong says the organization will assist entrepreneurs at every stage of business ownership.

Cut 9 (13)  “…door for that.”

__________________________________________________

If you have plans to enjoy the great outdoors this weekend, you might want to rethink those plans. That’s because Mother Nature has other ideas. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says remnants of Hurricane Polo in the Eastern Pacific will be dumping heavy rains throughout the state starting tomorrow.

Cut 10 (13) “…sweep across Louisiana.”

Keim says we will see a lot of rain this weekend.

Cut 11 (07) “…of the state.”

Keim says the weather could also put a damper on high school and college football throughout the state this weekend, including Saturday night’s LSU game against McNeese.

Cut 12 (07) “…very low expectation.”

__________________________________________________

The percentage of AP exams taken by Louisiana students that earned a high enough score for college credit has increased by more than 30 percentage points since 2019 — the largest increase of any state. Deputy State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson says the results show Louisiana students can meet college-level expectations, while teachers are helping them get there.

Cut 13 (08)  “…teaching these students”

The share of Louisiana AP exams earning a qualifying score rose from 37-percent in 2019 to 69-percent in 2026.

Chaisson says an AP Exam score 3, 4 or 5 can qualify high school students for college credit at many colleges and universities.

Cut 14 (07) “…whatever comes next.”

Doctor Chiasson says Louisiana’s AP score rate has improved at more than twice the national rate of growth.

Cut 15 (07) “…Advanced Placement scores.”

This data comes from the College Board, a non-profit that oversees the Advanced Placement program. The College Board recognizes Louisiana’s tremendous gains, and it also notes that just under 11-percent of Louisiana students who graduated from a public school last year earned a 3 or above, compared to 25-percent nationally.

__________________________________________________

3-and-1 UL Lafayette kicks off Sun Belt action with a big West Division game against Arkansas State on Saturday. The Cajuns have the top-ranked total defense in the conference and the second-best scoring defense. Head coach Michael Desormeaux says the staff has put together game plans that allow the players to execute well, and that’s what they’re doing.

Cut 16 (18) “…sound on it.”

On offense, quarterback Lunch Winfield has thrown for over 600 yards and rushed for nearly 300. Behind him on the ground, UL features a running back rotation of Anthony Reagan Jr., Steven Blanco, and J.J. Garner. Desormeaux says that won’t change.

Cut 17 (12) “…plays for us.”

The Red Wolves are 2-and-2 to start the season, coming off a 17-14 win over Kennesaw State. Third-year quarterback Trey Owens is fifth in the conference with over 800 passing yards this year. Desormeaux says they’re a good team still finding their offensive identity.

Cut 18 (14) “…up front too.”

_______________________________________________________________

McNeese heads to Baton Rouge this weekend to take on 11th-ranked LSU. The Cowboys are 2-and-3 to start season two under head coach Matt Viator with six Southland Conference games remaining. He says the trip to Baton Rouge will be more about the Cowboys than the Tigers.

Cut 19 (17) “…when we left.”

Viator says he and many of his players are from Louisiana, so they’re excited for the opportunity to play in Tiger Stadium. For many athletes at FCS schools, big games like this are a chance for athletes to put their best on film against a Power Four opponent, but Viator says he won’t be worried about roster retention when his team takes the field.

Cut 20 (14) “…we’re in now.”

Shreveport Police arrest a 19-year-old man in connection with a deadly shooting at an apartment complex. Corporal Christopher Bordelon says 19-year-old Javieon Abbott was directing his gunfire at a 17-year-old boy, and he also hit a two-year-old girl and her 13-year-old brother, Sha’michael Russell.

Cut 4 (09) “…at that location.”

The percentage of A-P exams taken by Louisiana students that earned a high enough score for college credit has increased by more than 30 percentage points since 2019 — the largest increase of any state. Deputy State Superintendent of Education Doctor Jenna Chiasson says the results show Louisiana students can meet college-level expectations, while teachers are helping them get there.

Cut 13 (08)  “…these students.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is taking a different legal approach in the state’s effort to prevent abortion pills from being shipped into Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Speaking of Liz Murrill, State Police say as many as seven state laws may have been broken in connection with the now-dismissed indictment against her. According to unsealed court records, those potential crimes include jury tampering, obstruction of justice and public intimidation or retaliation.

Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down abortion shield laws that allow providers in states where abortion is legal to prescribe and mail abortion pills to women in states where abortion is banned. The Center for Reproductive Rights says shield laws provide critical protections for patients seeking abortion care. But Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill argues abortion pills can pose serious risks to women, citing what she says are several examples.

Cut 12 (09) “…very dangerous.” 

Murrill’s Alabama counterpart, Steve Marshall, says his state has made abortion illegal, and it should have the authority to enforce that law.

Cut 11 (11) “…in our state.”

Shreveport Police make an arrest in connection with a shooting at an apartment complex. Corporal Christopher Bordelon says following a thorough investigation, police arrested 19-year-old Javieon Abbott for shooting three children at the apartment complex’s basketball court.

Cut 3 (10) “…in this incident.”

Louisiana Tech sets a new record for undergraduate and main-campus enrollment in school history. The fastest-growing programs are construction engineering technology, nursing, kinesiology, electrical engineering and accounting. University President Jim Henderson says the growth reflects a commitment to research that can be practically applied to economic growth.

Cut 7 (10) “…future demands.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is taking a different legal approach in the state’s effort to prevent abortion pills from being shipped into Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Speaking of Liz Murrill, State Police say as many as seven state laws may have been broken in connection with the now-dismissed indictment against her. According to unsealed court records, those potential crimes include jury tampering, obstruction of justice and public intimidation or retaliation.

A 19-year-old man is charged with shooting a teenager to death and injuring two others, including a two-year-old girl, at a Shreveport apartment complex. Investigators say Javieon Abbott was targeting a 17-year-old when he hit the other two, killing 13-year-old Sha’michael Russell. Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says Abbott is charged with second-degree murder, with other charges forthcoming.

Cut 5 (09) “…after the fact.”

Louisiana Tech has the highest retention rate of any school in the University of Louisiana System. Nearly 90-percent of the school’s enrollment is made up of Louisiana residents, but University President Jim Henderson says students are not just choosing Louisiana Tech over other in-state schools.

Cut 8 (12) “…higher-ed experience.”