The first two days of early voting showed a very healthy turn out. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says typically, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around and at least on Saturday, the turn out showed other differences compared to previous years…

Cut 5 (09) “…had in 2020.”

Just one constitutional amendment on the November 5^th ballot. A vote for the amendment would send federal dollars from money received from offshore wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. LaRose Representative Joseph Orgeron explains why he authored the amendment…

Cut 26 (09) “….in 2031”

Opponents say dedicating this money restricts lawmakers’ ability to make budget decisions.

56 students are being prepared for careers in law enforcement in an accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, Lt. Jared Sandifer says cadets in LSP Class 105 accelerated program already have some POST knowledge. They’ll engage in hands-on learning experiences and real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and decision-making abilities. He says the shortened timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

Longtime LSU football staffer Charles Baglio died Friday night when he was hit by a car on U-S Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish. Baglio had just been involved in a wreck and was returning to his vehicle after checking on another vehicle when he was struck and killed by a passing motorist. Baglio was also a successful high school football coach at Independence. Former Independence Coach Keith Carona remembers the fun Baglio brought to high school sports.

Cut 6 (04) “…fun doing it.”

The first two days of early voting in Louisiana broke records. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

KALB-TV reports Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree submitted his resignation on Friday, which means the city council will appoint the next mayor, instead of voters with a special election.  Mayor Dupree’s resignation comes less than two months after news broke of an affair involving the mayor and a former staff member.

Longtime LSU football staffer Charles Baglio died Friday night when he was hit by a car on U-S Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish.  Baglio won 205 games as a high school football coach and took Independence to the state championship game twice.  Former Independence Coach Keith Carona says former LSU coach Nick Saban hired Baglio as a staffer in in 2002 and he was part of three national championship teams…

Cut 7 (11) “…at LSU.”

SP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare the 56 students for careers in law enforcement.  By the end of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of law enforcement, ready to serve and protect their communities. Lt. Jared Sandifer noted the benefits that come with becoming an LSP Trooper…

Cut 11 (11) “…equipment for free.”

During the first two days of early voting voters turned out in droves. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but that’s not the case this time around.

Cut 4 (15) “…2020 and 2024.”

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare the 56 students for careers in law enforcement. This intensive program will equip them with essential skills and knowledge, including legal principles, investigative techniques, and physical training.  LSP Lt. Jared Sandifer says cadets in the accelerated program have POST training going into the academy.

Cut 9 (11)  “…exposed to some of that.”

LSP is currently taking applications for Class 107 starting in the summer of 2025.

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher. 

Cut 3 (11) “…to 259,512 statewide.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says this time, it’s the other way around.

Oral arguments are taking place in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge at this hour over Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law. Legal analyst Dane Ciolino says the state has almost no chance of winning this round.

Cut 9 (16)  “…establishment clause precedent.”

Some 150-thousand Swifties are set to invade New Orleans this week. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

LSU rolled past the Razorbacks on Saturday night beating Arkansas 34 to 10 in Fayetteville. The win sets up a huge game this Saturday against Texas A-and-M. LSU has won six in a row since the season-opening loss to USC and are now ranked number-seven in the nation.

Oral arguments are underway in a federal courthouse in Baton Rouge over the challenge to Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Early voting continues today for the November 5^th presidential election. The Secretary of State’s Office reports there have been 171-thousand early in-person voters after two days of early voting. In 2020, there were 155-thousand early votes after two days.

The lone constitutional amendment on the November 5th ballot would dedicate any federal money Louisiana receives from offshore Alternative energy production to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund which funds coastal protection projects. CPRF is constitutionally protected and already receives dedicated OIL and GAS money from federal and state sources, and from the BP Oil Spill settlement. LaRose Representative Joseph Orgeron…

Cut 10 (12) “…energy infrastucture.”

Thousands will travel this week to New Orleans as Taylor Swift will be performing in the Superdome. New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says this is a golden opportunity to showcase the city…

Cut 15 (09) “….throughout their lifetime”

Schulz says through her shows, Taylor Swift single-handedly boosts cities’ economies throughout the world.

Oral arguments will take place in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge this morning over Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law.

Cut 7 (14) “…in public schools.”

That’s Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrell is defending the law on the state’s behalf and her legal team will make the case that the law is constitutional. The hearing is expected to last one or two days.

Two years from now, U-S Senator Bill Cassidy will likely be seeking re-election, but La Politics dot com publisher Jeremy Alford says he would not be surprised if Cassidy faces a challenger from his own party. Alford says State Treasurer John Fleming is one possibility…

Cut 6 (11) “…direct mail piece”

State Police is investigating two separate crashes in Avoyelles Parish that happened on the same highway on the same day. Both fatal wrecks occurred on Highway 107 on Saturday night. A two-vehicle crash near Center point claimed the life 62-year-old Harold Gaspard of Marksville and a one-vehicle crash near Pinks Lane claimed the life of 37-year-old Terrence Hawkins.

Some 150-thousand Swifties are set to invade New Orleans this week. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana’s new law to have the Ten Commandments posted in every public-school classroom goes before a federal judge in Baton Rouge today. Dane Ciolino, a professor of law at the Loyola University-New Orleans says the plaintiffs, which includes the ACLU, have Supreme Court precedent on their side.

Cut 8 (14) “…in public schools.”

Ciolino says this case will likely go before the U-S Supreme Court and the current make-up of the nation’s highest court gives it a chance that the state’s Ten Commandments law could be ruled constitutional.

KALB-TV reports Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree submitted his resignation on Friday, which means the city council will appoint the next mayor, instead of voters with a special election.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has 5.8 million in his campaign warchest sending a strong signal he will run for re-election in 2026.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Just one constitutional amendment on the November 5^th ballot. A vote for the amendment would send federal dollars from money received from offshore wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. LaRose Representative Joseph Orgeron explains why he authored the amendment to support the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund…

Cut 11 (09) “….in 20231”

Opponents of Amendment 1 say dedicating money from offshore energy production to the CPFR restricts lawmakers’ ability to make budget decisions.

Oral arguments will play out today in a federal courtroom over a new state law that’s being challenged by several groups that calls for the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public classroom. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino expects Judge John deGravelles to rule in favor of the plantiffs, but the state’s strategy is the long game…

Cut 9 (16) “….establishment clause precedent”

Ciolino says the Supreme Court has shown a willingness to allow religion in public schools.

LSU is ranked Eighth in the latest A-P Top 25 poll as the Tigers are 6-and-1 following a blowout victory at Arkansas. Coach Brian Kelly says his team keeps improving…

Cut 28 (05) “…coming together”

The Tigers are at 14^th ranked Texas A-and-M on Saturday. The Aggies have also won six in a row.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who is up for re-election in 2026,  raised nearly $1.5 million in the third quarter of this year and has 5.8 million dollars in cash on hand. LA-Politics-dot-come Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 4 (08) “…fundraising base come together.”

There was some speculation Cassidy might not seek a third term. He’ll be 69 when he runs for re-election and the Louisiana Republican Party censured Cassidy in 2021 for his vote to convict former President Donald Trump for his role in the January sixth attack on the U-S Capitol in 2020.

Swifties will invade New Orleans this week as Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to the Big Easy for three shows in the Superdome starting on Friday night. New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz….

Cut 14 (15) “….New Orleans way”

The challenge to Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law goes before the U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Early voting resumes today for the November 5^th presidential election. The Secretary of State’s Office reports there have been 171-thousand early in-person voters after two days of early voting. In 2020, there were 155-thousand early votes after two days.

In 2026, Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy is expected to be on the ballot seeking a third term in office. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Cassidy has reported five-point-eight million dollars in cash on hand…

Cut 5 (05) “…put up a tough fight”

Alford says there’s a possibility Cassidy will face a challenger from his own party. Two rumored names are PSC member Eric Skrmetta and State Treasurer John Fleming.

New Orleans is getting ready for the invasion of the Swifties. Taylor Swift will perform three shows at the Superdome Friday through Sunday. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says there are very few hotel rooms in the Big Easy this weekend.

Cut 13 (09)  “…going very quickly.”

Voters aren’t wasting time when it comes to voting in the presidential election. People began showing up in droves on the first day of early voting yesterday.  Many saying they just wanted to get their ballot cast as soon as possible.

Cut 8 (09) “…and cast it.”

Early voting runs until October 29^th, but polls are closed on Sundays.

The newly constructed Caddo Lake Bridge is now open to traffic in Shreveport.  They held a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony on the south side of the bridge near the marina this morning at 11. The 17.3 million dollar project began in October of 2021.  The old bridge, which was built in 1940, was closed in December of that same year do to the condition of the aging structure and later demolished.  The new modernized concrete bridge will serve the nearly five-thousand motorists on a daily basis.

——————————————–

A second professional hockey team in Louisiana takes the ice as the Monroe Moccasins return following a 23-year absence. The Monroe Moccasins join the Baton Rouge Zydeco (ZYE-de-koh) in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, Moccasins Owner Nic Perkin says there’s excitement in the air

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s just incredible.”

Perkin is aiming to use his Monroe Moccasins as a way of increasing youth participation in hockey through his Power Play Promises youth program.

Eighth ranked LSU will try to follow up last Saturday’s emotional win over Ole Miss with a win on the road tonight at Arkansas. Coach Brian Kelly expects his team can avoid a let down…

Cut 15 (10) “…right direction.”