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