We got our first taste of fall this past weekend with cool and dry conditions, so what can we expect for winter? Jeff Palermo has the story.
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Early voting in the November 3rd election gets underway today. Kace Kieschnick reports.
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This election cycle is certainly unlike any other in state history. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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NOAA’s winter outlook calls for wetter-than-normal conditions in Louisiana. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says that’s typical during El Niño winters.
Cut 4 (04) “…that enhanced storminess.”
Keim says a strong El Niño strengthens the southerly jet stream, bringing more storm activity to the Gulf Coast.
Cut 5 (05) “…panhandle of Florida.”
About two-thirds of Louisiana is experiencing severe drought, with several northern parishes facing extreme or exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Keim says the increased chances of rain this winter could provide some much-needed drought relief.
Cut 6 (09) “…now in place.”
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Early voting for the November 3rd election gets underway today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says no matter where in the state you are, you will have several key decisions to make.
Cut 7 (09) “…on their ballot.”
Plus, voters could have a myriad of local races to decide. Landry says in all, there are more than 25-hundred races statewide. She calls it “the great convergence.”
Cut 8 (10) “…every ten years.”
Landry says with your ballot being exceptionally long this year, it’s important that you review your sample ballot ahead of time.
Cut 9 (08) “…Vote mobile app.”
You can mark that sample ballot and bring it with you – either printed out or on your mobile device – to help you cast your ballot quickly. Early voting runs today through next Tuesday from 8:30 to six; there’s no early voting on Sunday. Make sure you bring a government-issued photo ID with you.
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What’s unique about this election cycle is that there are both general elections and primary elections on the ballot. The U.S. Senate race is down to two – Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says while that’s the biggest office on the ballot, it’s not the highest profile one.
Cut 10 (11) “…juicing their vote.”
Hogan says it’s the U.S. House races, especially the ones in districts five and six where the incumbents are not on the ballot, which will ultimately drive up voter turnout.
Cut 11 (08) “…getting turnout up.”
As for the U.S. Senate race – throughout the campaign, analysts had said whoever emerges as the Republican nominee – in this case, Julia Letlow – would be almost a lock to win the general election. But Hogan says with the only two publicly-released polls showing Jamie Davis within just four points of Letlow, it could end up being a lot closer than originally forecast.
Cut 12 (11) “…ties with Trump.”
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The Saints flew to Paris after their 34-27 win over the Giants on Sunday. Recent riots in the city have called into question whether the NFL would hold its first-ever Paris game as planned, but the league said it is doing its due diligence to ensure safety this week and is moving ahead with the game. Saints tight end Juwan Johnson…
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The civil unrest began as student-led protests but has turned into riots and looting in recent weeks. The Black and Gold had yesterday and today off to enjoy the city before settling in for a regular game week, but safety Justin Reid says many players will just stick around the hotel.
Cut 14 (12) “…get a win.”
The Saints and Steelers kick off in the Stade (“stahd”) de France at 8:30 our time on Sunday. The teams have been in regular contact with the NFL, and officials could consider moving the game if necessary, although that is not the plan at this time. Johnson says safety is his top priority.
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The Steelers will travel to Paris on Thursday.
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LSU recorded its first SEC shutout in nearly two decades with a 31-0 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. Multiple defenders made big plays, but sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett stood out not just for his coverage but his physicality as a tackler. Coach Lane Kiffin says he could feel how Pickett’s play impacted the team.
Cut 16 (19) “…team to see.”
The offense rolled behind a nearly spotless performance from quarterback Sam Leavitt. He completed a season-high 82-percent of his passes and had no turnovers for the first time this year. Kiffin says the offense got off to a hot start.
Cut 17 (17) “…do with that.”
Auburn is coming off of a 27-24 upset win over top-ranked Georgia this weekend. It was a big victory for first-year head coach Alex Golesh, but there could be a letdown after the emotional win. Kiffin says Relief Syndrome is real.
Cut 18 (17) “…them next week.”
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After two big SWAC wins, Grambling lost to Alabama A&M 61-31 on the road. Down just two points at the half, the G-Men allowed 35 points in the third quarter, thanks to two turnovers. Head coach Mickey Joseph says he did not have his team prepared well enough.
Cut 19 (14) “…and fix it.”
The Tigers have a bye this week.
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Southern returns to action at Texas Southern this weekend after a week off. The Jaguars earned their first SWAC win under head coach Marshall Faulk before the bye week. He says his team needed time to learn how to play together.
Cut 20 (15) “…we’re looking for.”