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.

Senate President Page Cortez has established a special seven-member panel that will review several documented excessive force complaints involving State Police troopers and Black men. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil will serve as chairman. Foil says they will hear from several folks and then give the full senate recommendations on legislation that can be passed that would address the use of force…
cut 12 (13) “…at the Capitol”
Foil says their first meeting will be held in December.

About one thousand people who worked at one of the nursing homes owned by Bob Dean have been laid off. The Louisiana Department of Health has stripped Dean of his licenses after sending over 800 nursing home patients to a warehouse facility in Tangipahoa Parish not equipped to house that many people. Dean is fighting L-D-H to get his licenses back.

Early voting begins tomorrow 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 One would streamline sales tax collection in the state.
Cut 4 (11) “…what it does.”
Scott says opponents argue moving to a consolidated system takes control from the local governments to collect sales taxes, while opponents say Louisiana’s outdated tax system is an unnecessary burden on those trying to transact business.

It’s Halloween weekend and it will definitely feel like fall. High temperatures will be 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”

Of the four Amendments on the ballot, it’s the first two that could change tax collection and deductions in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.” 

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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.” 

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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 One would streamline sales tax collection in the state.

Cut 4 (11) “…what it does.”

Amendment Two is one that will impact all taxpayers in the state. Scott says this amendment is considered real tax reform because it removes the ability to deduct federal taxes paid on your state taxes.

Cut 5 (11) “…number two.”

Scott says Amendment Three applies to about five levee districts in the state, however, it requires a statewide vote to allow those districts created after 2006 but before October of 2021 to levy an annual tax not to exceed five mills to that will go towards maintaining levees.

Cut 6 (11) “…in southern Louisiana.”

Amendment Four allows the governor to transfer more dedicated funds to fix a state budget deficit. Scott says currently 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.

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FEMA is extending its deadline for Hurricane Ida individual assistance. Folks in the 25-parish disaster declaration area now have until November 29^th 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 exceeding 800 million dollars.

Custer says the FEMA funding can help with rental assistance, temporary housing and home repairs not covered by insurance.

Cut 9 (10)  “…move back  in.”

Custer says the FEMA assistance can help to get one’s home back to a livable condition until major repairs are completed.

Cut 10 (11)  “…eye on it.” 

To apply for FEMA assistance visit DisasterAssistance.gov or phone 1-800-621-3362.

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A special committee is being created by the Louisiana Senate that will hold one or more 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. Senator Franklin Foil is chair of the advisory panel.

Cut 11 (11) “…of excessive force.”

Foil says state police, the public and others will be invited to comment before the seven-member committee that will make recommendations to the legislature regarding use of force laws.

Foil says this Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight will be looking for input from a variety of people with the goal of making recommendations to the full Senate in just over a year.

Cut 12 (13) “…at the Capitol.”

At this point, Senator Foil doesn’t know just how many times the committee will meet

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

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It’s going to be an ideal weekend in Louisiana weatherwise as aftereffects of Wednesday’s cold front remains in control of the fall-like temperature. State Climatologist Barry Keim says lows in the northern parishes will be in the 40s and in the 50s in the southern half with highs reaching into the 70s.

Cut 14 (08)  “…no chance of rain.”

If you haven’t made plans already Keim says this is the weekend to spend outdoors and do some gardening, cycling, running, or even work on your golf game, but he also recommends bringing along a light jacket especially when the sun goes and don’t forget one when you’re out trick or treating Sunday.

Cut 15 (06)  “…chill in the air.”

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Mark Ingram is expected to be at practice for the Saints today. Ingram returns to the team that drafted him in 2011. Ingram spent eight seasons with the Saints and is the franchise’s second-leading rusher. But in Houston this season, he’s averaging a career-low 3.2 yards a carry. Coach Sean Payton still likes what Ingram brings…

Cut  16 (11) “for us.”

Payton says he plans to play Ingram in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This will be a big game for Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston, who is facing the team that drafted him and chose not to re-sign him after five up and down seasons. Payton does not want Winston to try and take the game over…

Cut 17 (22) “ .understands that.” 

Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady continues to play at a very high level at the age of 44. Brady leads the NFL in completions, passing yards. touchdowns and he’s only thrown three interceptions. Payton says it’s impressive what Brady is doing…

Cut 18 (29)”…to excel”

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La Tech can use a win tomorrow as they visit one and six Old Dominion. The Bulldogs have scored 19 points in their last two games and in those contests they converted just nine times on 27 third-down opportunities. Tech Coach Skip Holtz says they got to get that percentage up…

Cut 19 (30)  “…situations.”

Tech is coming off a 45-16 loss to UTSA to drop its record two and five. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz took some positives from the game…

Cut 20 (16)  “build on.”