Facebook’s announcement of a corporate name change sent the company’s flagship platform into a tizzy over a possible transformation. Brooke Thorington posts more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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With the November 13^th election just around the corner, a week of early voting gets underway tomorrow in Louisiana. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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Facebook’s announcement of a name change to Meta, sent some users into a frenzy that the social media giant would dissolve their most-used platform. But UNO Marketing Professor Lisa Palumbo says Facebook isn’t going anywhere.

Cut 3 (11) “….a while now.”

Palumbo doesn’t expect the user experience for Facebook to change drastically anytime soon. She believes one reason for the corporate name change is to expand and increase usership among a younger demographic, which has been steadily decreasing over the years.

Cut 4 (07) “…all ages in.”

Oculus Quest, a virtual reality system owned by Facebook, also announced a name change to Meta Quest, which will take effect next year.

Despite Facebook being under fire recently for lack of oversite of misinformation and accusations of placing profits over safety, Palumbo doesn’t believe the name change is an overt effort to hide from negative press.

Cut 5 (08) “…try it out.”

Facebook plans to start trading under their new name Meta beginning December 1st.

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Early voting gets underway in Louisiana tomorrow, and except for this Sunday, will continue through Saturday, November 6^th. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the ballots casts are for the November 13^th election that quite frankly is lacking hotly contested races.

Cut 6 (10) “…in Orleans Parish.” 

You can download the smartphone app, Geaux Vote Mobile, to locate your parish’s early voting location and a sample ballot.

Ardoin says four constitutional amendments are on the ballot statewide but aren’t likely to produce a stampede to polling locations.

Cut 7 (07) “….to the polls.”  

Ardoin notes that the registrar’s office in New Orleans won’t be used for early voting because of social distancing problems and so a nearby building will be used as an alternate location to cast early ballots.

Cut 8 (09) “…with that location.”

Which is located at 433 Bolivar at the corner of Gravier and Bolivar.

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You might want to spend what’s supposed to be a great Halloween weekend taking part in the Go Out and Fish program put on by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The agency’s Danica Williams says they’ve stocked 17 ponds around the state with adult-sized channel catfish.

Cut 9 (12) “…adult size fish.”

You can get a list of locations for the Go Out and Fish program from the LDWF website.

Williams says there will be other activities to take part in besides fishing.

Cut 10 (09)  “…while they’re there.”

Williams says LDWF will step up its game at the Go Out and Fish location in Houma that was hard hit by Hurricane Ida.

Cut  11 (11)  “…have been stocked.”  

The Houma event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Bayou Country Sports Complex

((Note: Those 16 and older must possess a Louisiana Fishing License))

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While Halloween can be lots of fun for the kids, it can pose a health hazard to your pets. Ginger Guttner, Spokesperson for LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine says if you have pets don’t leave out candy where they might have an opportunity to grab a treat for themselves.

Cut 12 (11) “…too much.”  

Guttner says if your pet does get into the candy and overindulges it can cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas, and it can be extremely painful.

Cut 13 (11) “…right away.”

Another thing pet owners should be mindful of Guttner says are your Halloween decorations, indoors and out. Your pets could chew on cords or even try to digest a decoration which could cause an obstruction and possibly lead to surgery.

And while many enjoy dressing up their pets in costume for the holiday Guttner cautions that you make sure the costume fits properly so it doesn’t impact their vision or cause breathing difficulty.

Cut 14 (09) “…make them.” 

Guttner also recommends that you know where your nearest emergency vet is located beforehand and to keep the Pet Poison Helpline number handy which is 1-800-213-6680

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Sports betting will be available at more casinos in Louisiana as early as this weekend. Until recently, only Paragon Casino in Marksville was allowed to have legalized sportsbook. State Gaming Commissioner Ronnie Johns says four new licenses were issued Friday.

Cut 15 (11) “…in Bossier City.” 

Johns says Harrah’s casino and Boomtown casino in New Orleans, L’Auberge in Baton Rouge, and Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City were the first 4 of 13 applicants to complete the state Police review process and receive LSP recommendation for licensing. They may begin sports betting on Sunday – Halloween. John says more sportsbook will be coming soon.

Cut 16 (08) “…quickly as possible.” 

Early voting for the November 13^th election begins Saturday across Louisiana. Now through next Saturday (excluding Sunday, of course) you can quickly cast your votes on four constitutional amendments and whatever local elections are on the ballot. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says some early voting locations will be moved, so that social distancing can still be observed; like for instance the Orleans Parish registrar’s office…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…with that location.”

Orleans has a big ballot, with a Mayoral race and city council seats to be decided.

It’s Halloween weekend, and once again we’re reminded to NOT share our candy treats with the family pets … or let them get at them themselves. LSU Vet School spokesperson Ginger Guttner says sweets can cause pancreatitis, which is very painful for your fur baby..:

CUT 13  (11)        “…right away.”

Facebook’s announced name change to “Meta” is freaking some users out. UNO Marketing Professor Lisa Palumbo says worry not, the platform isn’t going anywhere. Many feel the name change is an attempt to reimage Facebook in order to try and dodge some recent negative press, but Palumbo disagrees…:

CUT 05  (09)        “…try it out.”

This weekend is the “Go Out and Fish” program, sponsored by Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries. LWF’s Danica Williams says they have stocked ponds strategically with catfish, so you’ll have a better chance of landing a big one. She also says there are other things you can beside cast a line..:

CUT 10  (09)        “…while they’re there.”

Williams says nearly 20 ponds across the state have been stocked for the weekend, but remember … you do have to have a fishing license.

Facebook’s announcement of a corporate name change sent the company’s flagship platform into a tizzy over a possible transformation. Brooke Thorington posts more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Early voting gets underway in Louisiana tomorrow, and except for this Sunday, will continue through Saturday, November 6^th. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the ballots casts are for the November 13^th election that quite frankly is lacking hotly contested races. Ardoin says four constitutional amendments are on the ballot statewide but aren’t likely to produce a stampede to polling locations.

Cut 7 (07) “….to the polls.”  

An attempted traffic stop in Shreveport turned violent early today when the driver refused to stop after blowing through a stoplight and he allegedly fired shots at the officer during a pursuit. The officer was wounded by shrapnel from a bullet that hit his cruiser’s windshield but suffered only minor injuries. No shots were fired by police.  The driver, Lavonta Smith, was eventually taken into custody and arrested for the attempted murder of a police officer.

You might want to spend what’s supposed to be a great Halloween weekend taking part in the Go Out and Fish program put on by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The agency’s Danica Williams says they’ve stocked 17 ponds around the state with adult-sized channel catfish.

Cut 9 (12) “…adult size fish.”

You can get a list of locations for the Go Out and Fish program from the LDWF website.

Facebook’s announcement of their corporate name change to Meta, sent some users into a frenzy that the social media giant would dissolve their most-used platform. But UNO Marketing Professor Lisa Palumbo doesn’t expect the Facebook user experience to change anytime soon and believes one reason for the corporate name change is to expand and increase usership among young people, which has decreased.

Cut 4 (07) “…all ages in.”

While Halloween can be lots of fun for the kids, it can pose a health hazard to your pets. Ginger Guttner, Spokesperson LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine says don’t leave out candy where your pets could have an opportunity to grab a treat for themselves.

Cut 12 (12) “…too much.”  

With the November 13^th election just around the corner, a week of early voting gets underway tomorrow in Louisiana. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

Facebook’s announcement of a corporate name change to Meta, sent some users into a frenzy that their most-used platform would dissolve. But UNO Marketing Professor Lisa Palumbo says Facebook isn’t going anywhere and believes one reason for the corporate name change is to expand and attract a younger demographic.

Cut 4 (07) “…all ages in.”

The virtual reality platform Oculus Quest, which is also owned by Facebook will change its name to Meta Quest.

Early voting begins tomorrow, with the exception of Sunday, and continues until November 6^th. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the ballots casts are for the November 13^th election that quite frankly is lacking any hotly contested races.

Cut 6 (10) “..in Orleans Parish” 

Those in the 25 parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida are being given another month to apply for FEMA individual assistance benefits.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

It’s an ideal weekend to trick or treat and do most anything outdoors this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says just keep a jacket handy…

Cut 15 (06)  “…chill in the air.”

Highs this weekend will reach into the 70s in Louisiana.

Facebook’s announcement of a name change to Meta, sent some users into a frenzy that the social media giant would dissolve their most-used platform. But UNO Marketing Professor Lisa Palumbo says Facebook isn’t going anywhere.
cut 3 (12) “….a while now.”
Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg says the company will focus on building virtual reality products.

FEMA has extended the deadline for Hurricane Ida storm victims in 25 parishes to apply for disaster assistance. Spokesperson Nate Custer says the federal agency can help with rental assistance, temporary housing and home repairs not covered by insurance…
cut 9 (10) “…move back in”
It’s been two months since Hurricane Ida and disaster survivors have received more than 889 million dollars in federal grants.

Tomorrow begins early voting for the November 13th election and every ballot has four constitutional amendments on them. Brooke Thorington reports the first two amendments are generating the most interest…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

It’s Halloween weekend and it feels like fall. High temperatures are in the 60s today and State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs will be in the 70s on Saturday and Sunday…
cut 14 (07) “….no chance of rain”

A special committee created by the Louisiana Senate will hold hearings beginning in December on complaints about the use of excessive force by State Police, particularly the high-profile case of Ronald Greene, the black man who died in police custody who was beaten by troopers after a high-speed chase. Senator Franklin Foil, who is chair doesn’t know how many times they will meet.

Cut 13 (10) “…with any recommendations.”

FEMA is extending its deadline for Hurricane Ida individual assistance to November 29^th. FEMA spokesperson Nate Custer says assistance can help get one’s home back to a livable condition until major repairs are completed.

Cut 10 (11)  “…eye on it.” 

Early voting begins Saturday and while there are a few local elections there are four constitutional amendments on everyone’s ballot. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says Amendment Two is considered real tax reform because it removes the ability to deduct federal taxes paid on your state taxes.

Cut 5 (11) “…number two.”

Amendment Four allows the governor to transfer more dedicated funds to fix a state budget deficit. Currently Scott says five percent of dedicated funds can be redirected, a vote in favor of the amendment raises it to ten percent.

Cut 7 (11) “…really have.”

Early voting continues until November 6^th with the exclusion of Sunday, October 31^st and the election is November 13^th.

A seven-member Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight is expected to begin its work in December in the aftermath of high-profile beatings of black men, at least one of them deadly. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

It was a bizarre scene on I-12 in Tangipahoa Parish yesterday afternoon as a small plane had to make an emergency landing. Authorities say thankfully the pilot and two passengers on the aircraft were uninjured after hitting the driver’s side of a Ford pickup truck. The driver of the Ford was also not hurt.

FEMA is extending its deadline for Hurricane Ida individual assistance. Folks in the 25-parish disaster declaration area now have until November 29th to apply for help from the federal agency. FEMA’s Nate Custer says the extension was requested by the governor’s office because of possible communication issues.
Cut 8 (07) “…considered for assistance.”
Custer says more than a half-million applications for Ida assistance have been approved so far at a price tag of 816-million dollars. FEMA says another 297-million has been paid to storm victims through National Flood Insurance Program claims.

Cool-weather has arrived for this Halloween weekend. Highs will be in the 60s today and it will also be breezy. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll see highs in the 70s for Saturday and Sunday…
cut 15 (06) “…chill in the air”
And don’t forget early voting begins tomorrow for the November 13th election.

A special committee has been created that will hold hearings beginning in December on complaints about the use of excessive force by State Police, particularly high-profile instances involving the beating of Black men. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil is chair of the advisory panel.
Cut 11 (11) “…of excessive force.”
Foil says the seven-member committee will make recommendations to the legislature regarding use of force laws.

Early voting for the November 13th election begins tomorrow and every ballot contains four constitutional amendments. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says Amendment Three applies to levee districts created after 2006 to levy an annual tax that will go towards maintaining levees.
Cut 6 (11) “…in southern Louisiana.”

Those in the 25 parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida are being given another month to apply for FEMA individual assistance benefits. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

One of the state’s last coal-fired power plants is closing at the end of the year and laying off 54 workers. Dolet Hills Power Station in the DeSoto Parish town of Mansfield was built in 1986 and jointly operated by Cleco and SWEPCO. The Sierra Club says the retirement of Dolet Hills is a win for ratepayers, public health and the environment.