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.

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.

More than two dozen homes suffered damage when an EF-2 tornado ripped through an area south of Lake Charles yesterday afternoon. The storm left two people with minor injuries. Governor John Bel Edwards surveyed the area this morning.

Cut 6 (09) “..from flying debris” 

Sustained winds from the twister are believed to have peaked at 130 miles per hour, tearing down trees and power lines and cutting electricity to 75-hundred Entergy customers.

A suspected road rage incident led to the death of a 65-year-old woman who was shot several times in the parking lot of Willis-Knighton hospital Wednesday. The suspect is a 23-year Rasmey Akes and Bossier City Police Lt Bart Cavanagh says they are still investigating what motivated the shooting.

Cut 4 (09) “…shooting happened.”

Akes is charged with first-degree murder.

The 115^th State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport. Kevin Gallagher has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Walker Police are trying to reunite a Nike bag with its owner. They say the black and white insulated lunch bag contained nearly 50 grams of cocaine and 120 oxycodone tablets. Walker Police say the owner should “just do it” and pay them a visit at their new location in the old City Hall building.

The cold front has made its way through the state but not before damaging homes. Lake Charles National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says it was an EF-2 or greater that destroyed some homes in that area of the state Wednesday afternoon.  As cold fronts begin to make their way into the state this time of year, they can easily spawn tornadoes.

Cut 15 (11)  “…quite a bit.”

After touring damage in Lake Charles this morning Governor Edwards is headed to Scotland to take part in the International Climate Change Summit. Edwards says he wants the state to learn more about climate change and new technology aimed at reducing our carbon footprint.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

Edwards created a task force last year aimed at reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.

The Louisiana Department of Education is launching the “Be Engaged Initiative” next month with the goal of getting parents and others more involved in a student’s education outside the classroom.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

A 65-year-old woman was killed outside of Willis-Knighton hospital Wednesday night following what police say was an altercation in the parking lot with a 23-year old male. Bossier City Police say the suspect Ramsey Akes is charged with first-degree murder and is being held on a $275,000 bond. The woman was shot several time, and police believe road rage may have been a facto

The Louisiana Department of Education is launching the “Be Engaged Initiative” next month with the goal of getting parents and others more involved in a student’s education outside the classroom.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Governor Edwards travels to Scotland today to attend the International Climate Change Summit. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The 115^th State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport, after a year off due to COVID. Kevin Gallagher has more on what we can expect…:

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education is launching an initiative to get parents, families, and communities more involved in student outcomes. Dr. Antiqua Hunter with the LDOE says the “Be Engaged Initiative” involves the app, PimsPoints, that’s used to track points earned while involved with a child’s education.

Cut 4 (08) “…into the system.”

And then the person earning the points can redeem the coupons or digital rewards. You can begin downloading the app on November 15.

Dr. Hunter says there are a variety of ways for parents to earn points while assisting in their child’s education, for example.

Cut 5 (09) “…points for that.”

Dr. Hunter is hoping businesses will get involved in offering coupons for the Be Engaged Initiative, and for those districts with a lack of such participation, the schools could offer their own rewards.

Cut 6 (08) “…free school supplies.”

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Governor Edwards is headed to the Scottish Lowlands today to take part in the International Climate Change Summit in Glasgow. Edwards says there’s no other state in the United States more impacted by climate change than Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…footprint.”

Edwards will attend meetings at the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference beginning Sunday until November 4^th, along with advisors and members of his Climate Initiatives Task Force.

Cut 8 (11) “…and CPRA.”

Last year Edwards signed an executive order last year launching a Climate Change Initiatives Task Force to create policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by net zero in 2050. Edwards says he wants the state to learn more about and take advantage of new technology aimed at reducing our carbon footprint.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

The Race to Zero campaign is part of a global effort of thousands of governments, higher education institutions, and businesses working to stop the worsening effects of climate change.

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The 115^th State Fair of Louisiana gets underway today in Shreveport. Once again the rides, games, live entertainment, and livestock events will be open for all to enjoy, after having to call it all off last fall due to the pandemic. Fair President & General Manager Chris Giordano says the storms have passed and it will be great weather for the opening weekend.

Cut 10 (08)  “…Mondays and Tuesdays.” 

Giordano says the fair planned to reopen this year, and just deal with whatever COVID mask mandates might still be in effect. He says it is just fortunate happenstance that Governor Edwards ended the mask order in time for the opening. He says they’ll still take health precautions.

Cut 11 (08) “…throughout the fair.”

Giordano says to expect the famous midway rides and games, with some new rides this year. He says the LRCA rodeo finals will happen next weekend, and there will even be a TV crew from The Cooking Channel to feature some of the tasty midway foods.

Cut 12 (07) “…across the country.”

For information or tickets, go online to “StateFairOfLouisiana.com”

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Southwestern parishes in the state are shifting through damage bought on by tornadoes and high winds Thursday as a cold front made its way through the state. Lake Charles National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says a squall line was responsible for reported damage in Beauregard, Cameron, and Calcasieu parishes.

Cut 13 (09) “…EF-2 or greater.”

Brazzell says there was widespread wind damage in the areas of the state still recovering from two devasting hurricanes in 2020. He says then even things got dicey for national forecasters in Lake Charles.

Cut 14 (12)  “…solid tornado.”

As cold fronts begin to make their way into the state this time of year, Brazzell says unfortunately this type of weather which can easily spawn tornadoes is not unusual.

Cut 15 (11)  “…quite a bit.”

The most extensive damage reported in Lake Charles was in two neighborhoods near the intersection of Nelson Road and Ham Reid Road.

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The Saints return to practice today to get ready for their big NFC South clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside the Superdome on Sunday. The defending Super Bowl champion Bucs are six and one, but Tampa Coach Bruce Arians is impressed with the Saints defense…

Cut  16 (25) “got problems.”

The Bucs will be facing their former starting quarterback Jameis Winston. The former number one pick played five seasons in Tampa. Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead says they know Winston can make plays…

Cut 17 (11) “ .against him.” 

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The Ragin Cajuns are getting ready to host Texas State for homecoming. The Bobcats are two and five, but U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says their record is not reflective of the talent they have…

Cut 18 (18)”…throw game.”

Saturday’s game kicks off at 11 AM. Napier says the early kickoff should not impact how his team plays…

Cut 19 (17)  “…for real.”

Freshman running back Montrell Johnson has started to emerge. He’s rushed for over 100 yards in his last two games including a 150-yard, two-touchdown performance last Thursday at Arkansas State. Napier is not surprised the New Orleans native is having an excellent rookie campaign…

Cut 20 (21)  “he’s humble.” 

Most of the state is under a tornado watch today until 4 pm as a cold front begins to make its way through the state, but ahead of the front is the potential for some dicey weather. State Climatologist Barry Keim.

Cut 12 (10) “…has to offer.”

After the front passes temps will drop into the 50s in northern parishes and 60s in the southern parts of the state.

The reality of children being vaccinated for COVID reached a major milestone this week after an FDA Advisory panel recommends the vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter anticipates that age group could begin receiving doses within the next two weeks.

Cut 3 (09) “….time around.”

Approximately 421,000 in Louisiana children would then be eligible to be vaccinated once authorization is granted.

Federal dollars are being earmarked for recovery needs in southwest Louisiana in association with hurricanes Laura and Delta. Governor John Bel Edwards says the allocated 595-million-dollars in block grant funding still falls short of what the state needs in its recovery but is hopeful for more appropriations when Congress meets December 3^rd.

Cut 14 (10)  “…to Hurricane Ida.”

UPS is on a hiring spree, Marc Shannon with the delivery firm’s talent acquisition team says the company is looking to hire 100-thousand seasonal workers nationwide, with more than a thousand in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “..lot of opportunities” 

For more information visit UPSjobs.com.

A large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 4 PM. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Six teens are facing multiple charges after an armed robbery of two pizza delivery drivers in Lafayette. Police say six masked teens approached the men Monday evening demanding money, they stole the food and a cell phone. A search warrant was issued for the delivery address where the pizza bag and phone were located. All six were booked into the Lafayette Parish Juvenile Detention Center.

Governor Edwards has lifted the statewide indoor mask mandate but not for for K-12 schools. If schools, choose to not enforce masks they must follow CDC guidelines for quarantine. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says if you were within 6 feet of a positive person for 15 mins or more you should quarantine.

Cut 6 (12) “…have to quarantine.”

Quarantine is 10 to 14 days or seven days if you test negative on day 5 or greater.

Senator Bill Cassidy addressed fellow lawmakers in DC in an effort to bring attention to the opioid crisis again. Cassidy says Louisiana had the highest increase of opioid deaths in the nation last year with 1,900 lives lost.

Cut 7 (11) “…are devastating.”

1,900 lives were lost in the state last year to overdoses.

Stressors from the pandemic and a rising number of mental illness diagnoses among children have prompted pediatricians to say kids’ mental health is a national emergency. Clinical Psychologist with LSU Health New Orleans Doctor Michelle Moore anticipates things will even worsen once the pandemic eases.

Cut 3 (11) “….place yet.”

The Saints scored just one touchdown last night, but it was enough to beat the Seahawks 13-10. New Saints kicker Brian Johnson also kicked two clutch field goals, including the game-winner with less than two minutes left. Johnson says he tried not to overthink it…

Cut 7 (11) “….so.”  

Johnson could be the kicker for the season as Will Lutz announced he’ll sit out the year after suffering a setback from core muscle surgery.

Governor Edwards has a 3 p.m. press conference today. With COVID numbers declining, will he end the statewide mask mandates? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

And on Thursday Governor Edwards will travel to Scotland to attend the International Race to Zero Climate Summit.  Meetings will be held Sunday through November 4^th. Edwards says that no other state in the nation has been more affected by climate change than Louisiana, but also in a better position to be part of the solution.

Governor John Bel Edwards will announce this afternoon if he’ll lift the statewide indoor mask mandate. Steven Procopio Policy Director for the Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council has been tracking the pandemic numbers and says the figures suggest the fourth surge has winded down…

Cut 4 (09) “…height of all this.”
Edwards reinstated the statewide indoor mask mandate in August.

The Saints scored just one touchdown last night, but it was enough to beat the 13-10 Seahawks in Seattle. Running back Alvin Kamara was more productive as a receiver last night as he caught 10 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Kamara says the offense will continue to get better as the season goes along

Cut 6 (11) “..always working” 

The teacher shortage in Louisiana continues to worsen because there are fewer education students and teacher retirements are on their way up. Michael Faulk, with the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, says it’s a trend that started years ago.

Cut 10 (10)  “…of six years.” 

For example, the number of students in the LSU School of Education has plummeted by 57 percent over the past decade.

Governor John Bel Edwards travels to Scotland this week for the international Race to Zero climate change summit put on by the United Nations. He says it’s an important step in addressing global concerns about carbon footprints to the benefit of Louisiana.

Cut 13 (12) “…that will decarbonize.”

Edwards says that no other state in the nation has been more affected by climate change than Louisiana, but also in a better position to be part of the solution.

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to announce today whether or not he will continue the mask mandate. Steven Procopio (pro-COH-pee-oh), Policy Director for the Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council (PAR)  says there’s more to putting COVID behind us than just heeding the Governor.

Cut 5 (14) “…in the country.”

The governor’s press conference is at 3pm today.

Moderna released data claiming it’s COVID vaccine is both safe and effective for children ages 6 to 11. Dr. Danial Hsia (Shaw) who is overseeing a section of the Moderna trial in children at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says side effects they’ve observed are comparable to those seen in adults, like muscle aches, fatigue, and low-grade fever.

Cut 8 (09) “…or less.”

The teacher shortage in Louisiana continues to worsen because there are fewer education students and teacher retirements are on their way up. Michael Faulk, who heads up the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, says he doesn’t see the teacher shortage problem being remedied anytime soon in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…years from now.”

Governor John Bel Edwards travels to Scotland this week for the international Race to Zero climate change summit put on by the United Nations. Edwards says the meeting will be important for his delegation as they compete to attract new investment in Louisiana related to climate change issues.

Cut 14 (13)  “…in the country.”

Edwards is scheduled to leave for Scotland on Thursday for the summit that takes place Sunday through November 4^th.