Calcasieu Parish was hit by probable tornadoes and straight line winds of up to 70 miles an hour – spawned in the strong thunderstorms that crossed the state earlier today. Numerous homes and some businesses suffered catastrophic damage and there are reports of people injured. So far no deaths have been reported. Calcasieu is still recovering from being hit by two hurricanes in 2020.

Louisiana businesses are welcoming news the Governor has lifted his statewide mask mandate amid declining COVID numbers. Dawn McVea is state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. She says member merchants and businesses have had a rough time of it these past several months…:

CUT 12(11)      “…the enforcers.”

She says now her members can concentrate on a good holiday retail season.

We’re moving closer to kids ages 5 to 11 being vaccinated for the COVID virus. An FDA panel approved it; now the CDC will have to sign off on it and they most likely will. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says kids could be getting shots within a couple weeks. He suggests parents with concerns about that have a talk with their pediatrician…:

CUT 05(10)      “…family chooses.”

Right now kids between 5 and 17 make up over 20-percent of the state’s coronavirus cases.

Looking for a job? UPS plans to hire about a thousand delivery drivers in Louisiana, as the holidays approach. UPS spokesman Marc Shannon says many a temporary job with the company has grown into a career…:

CUT 07(11)      “…career at UPS.”

To apply, go to “UPSjobs.com”

Strong thunderstorms moving across the state spawned some damage to homes and structures in Calcasieu Parish today. KPLC TV’s website features some images of homes with severe roof damage, and one with a hole punched in its brick exterior wall. One home was virtually levelled. We’re also told at least one person was injured as the storms moved through the area.

On Tuesday the governor removed the statewide indoor mask mandate for 28 days, but not for K-12 schools. Schools however can choose not to mask if they follow CDC quarantine guidelines. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the sooner children are able to get vaccinated the more likely they can stay in the classroom…:

CUT 04(10)      “…remain asymptomatic.”

The CDC is expected to announce its decision on vaccinating kids 5 thru 11 soon.

UPS is going on a hiring spree as the holiday season approaches. 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 one thousand of them in Louisiana alone…:

CUT 06(08)      “…lot of opportunities.”

For more information and to apply for a position visit the website UPSjobs.com.

Businesses across Louisiana are relieved the Governor has lifted the mask mandate. Dawn McVea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says merchants are hopeful now they can concentrate on a successful holiday shopping season without having to police the wearing of masks…:

CUT 14(07)      “…the deal.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says her more restrictive COVID policies will also be removed on Friday.

A tornado watch is in effect for all of Southeast Louisiana until 10 tonight, as a strong line of thunderstorms moves across the state. The watches and warnings that cover southwest, central and north-central Louisiana expire at 4 PM. At least one tornado was spotted earlier today as the storm front moved through the Texas-Louisiana line near Bridge City. Cell phone video captured an ATV being sucked into the air and tossed like a toy. So far no one is reported hurt.

An end to the Governor’s statewide mask mandate comes as welcome news to many businesses in Louisiana. The governor will re-examine his order in 28 days. State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business Dawn McVea says business owners hope that continues beyond mid-November…:

CUT 13(05)      “…that way.”

She says now merchants can focus on holiday shopping and not on policing mask policy. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says her citywide COVID restrictions will end Friday.

The state orders 148-thousand doses of the COVID vaccine in anticipation of the CDC’s recommendation for kids ages 5 to 11 to be vaccinated. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

A Ouachita Parish man is accused of slapping a Monroe cop for no apparent reason. The officer says – on the night of October 24^th – Troy Davis waved him down, approached the window of his patrol car, said “what’s up?” then smacked the officer in the face. He then added, “eff the police” and was promptly arrested.

A powerful line of thunderstorms is moving through the state that’s associated with the strongest cold front of the fall. Megan Williams, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says there are concerns of flash flooding and possible tornados. Watches and warnings are posted across the state, but once the front moves through – by about dinner time – much more fall-like temperatures will be with us…:

CUT 11(12)      “…a nice change.”

An FDA Advisory panel recommends the COVID vaccines for kids ages 5 through 11; something that could begin within just a couple weeks. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this is something concerned parents should discuss with their pediatrician…:

CUT 05(10)      “…family chooses.”

A CDC committee will meet next week to decide on vaccinating young kids.

It’s that time of the year and delivery companies are in need of seasonal workers to get holiday packages to you. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brannen.”

Opening arguments today in the sexual crimes trial of former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain. Prosecutors say Strain used his power & position to manipulate his victims. Defense counsel says witnesses in the case are the ones who’ve been manipulated or were doing the manipulating for personal gain.

The weather could get somewhat rough weather in areas of the state this afternoon as a cold front ushers in a line of storms from the west. A tornado watch is in effect until 4 pm for much of the state. Megan Williams with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the severe weather risk is the result of the cold air behind the front clashing with warm air…

Cut 10 (09)  “..from the Gulf” 

The announcement of the end of the statewide indoor mask mandate is welcome news to some business owners. State Director of the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation Independent Businesses Dawn McVea says they are pleased because members have had such a challenge with it the last few months.

Cut 12 (11) “…the enforcers”  

Governor Edwards chose not to renew the indoor mask mandate for the next 28 days due to declining COVID cases and hospitalizations.

The reality of children being vaccinated for COVID reached a major milestone this week after an FDA Advisory panel recommend 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.”

If you’re looking for a job, UPS may just be the ticket to a much-needed paycheck. The delivery firm is looking to hire 100 thousand seasonal workers for the holiday season nationwide. The firm’s Marc Shannon says more than one thousand will be hired in Louisiana, including package handlers, big-rig drivers and delivery trucks. Shannon says the peak season that necessitates a larger workforce, albeit temporary, usually lasts into January.

Cut 8 (08) “..things like that.”

More information is available at UPSJobs.com

A powerful line of thunderstorms is moving through the state that’s associated with the strongest cold front of the fall. Megan Williams with the National Weather Service in Slidell says most of the state is under a tornado watch until 4 PM…

Cut 9 (07 ) “…as well.”

Williams says the severe weather risk is the result of the cold air behind the front clashing with warm air…

Federal dollars are being earmarked for recovery needs in southwest Louisiana in association with hurricanes Laura and Delta. That word came Tuesday from Governor John Bel Edwards who says the state is being allocated 595-million-dollars in block grant aid funding. Edwards says it’s important to point out that the block grant aid for Laura and Delta is not money in the bank at this point.

Cut 15 (09)  “…design our program.”

The state has ordered 148-thousand doses of the COVID vaccine in anticipation of the CDC’s recommendation for ages 5 to 11 to be vaccinated. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

UPS is going on a hiring spree as the holiday season approaches. Marc Shannon with the delivery firm’s talent acquisition team says the company is looking to hire 100-thousand seasonal workers nationwide, more than one thousand of them in Louisiana alone.

Cut 7 (11) “….career at UPS.”  

For more information and to apply for a position visit the website UPSjobs.com.

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.

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the statewide indoor mask mandate however it remains in effect for certain K-12 schools…
cut 1 (43) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU says it will continue to require masks on campus and New Orleans is also keeping its indoor mask policy in place.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced the state will receive 595-million dollars from the federal government that can be used to rebuild homes and businesses damaged by Hurricanes Laura and Delta….
cut 13 (10) “….relates to housing”
Edwards has requested three billion dollars and the state is still weeks away before getting its hands on this first installment because Louisiana needs federal approval on how they plan to distribute the grant dollars.

Much of Louisiana is under the threat of severe weather today…
cut 10 (10) “…that frontal boundary”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s the potential for tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 4 PM for most of the state. The watch box covers Shreveport, Ruston, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Lafayette and Morgan City.

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.

It’s a day to be aware of the weather as a line of thunderstorms in front of a cold front will move across Louisiana this afternoon…
cut 11 (08) “…across the state”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim says who now says all of southwest Louisiana and much of central Louisiana including Leesville, Alexandria, and Marksville are under a tornado watch until 4 PM today.

Governor Edwards has lifted the statewide indoor mask mandate however the mandate remains in effect for K-12 schools. Schools may opt out of the mask mandate, however, as long as they continue to follow CDC quarantine guidance.
Cut 4 (12) “…and isolation.”
That means a student should quarantine if they were in close contact for an accumulation total of 15 minutes with someone who tests positive for COVID.

The federal government has informed Louisiana the state will receive 595-million in community development block grant dollars that can be used to repair homes and businesses damaged by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. But Edwards says they can’t put these funds to use yet…
cut 15 (09) “….design our programs”
Edwards did not provide a timeline on when the grant dollars will become available to 2020 hurricane victims.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says the pandemic has resulted in a surge in opioid overdose deaths…
cut 8 (11) “….drug deaths”
Cassidy says over 19-hundred Louisianians lost their lives to a drug overdose last year, a 48-percent increase from the year before.