Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the statewide mask mandate, but wants most school kids to continue to wear them. He says school districts who do not want to mask kids must continue to observe CDC guidelines on social distancing and quarantining in cases of possible COVID contact. The Governor’s new order will be in effect for the next 28 days.

Here’s a sobering statistic from the Louisiana Workforce Commission: Hurricane Ida cost the state about 30-thousand jobs. LWC Chief Economist Julian Hwang says 41-thousand people filed for unemployment from the day Ida hit to the end of September. He says tens of thousands of jobs are listed on the LWC website, so they hope recoup a number of those lost jobs…:

CUT 13(09)      “…slowly but surely.”

President Biden’s polling numbers continue to spiral downward. A new Quinnipiac poll shows his approval at only 40-percent. New Orleans political analyst Ron Faucheux (FO-shay) says his performance on crime, the economy, illegal immigration and more are dragging on his administration. But, Faucheux says, Biden may be able to push through some of his major agenda items, like infrastructure and social spending…:

CUT 11(09)      “…Manchin and Sinema.”

On individual issues, Biden polls lowest for the state of the economy.

The New Orleans Saints scored just one touchdown Monday night, but it was enough to beat the Seahawks 13-10 in Seattle. Running back Alvin Kamara was productive as a receiver as he caught 10 passes for 128 yards and that touchdown. Kamara says the offense will continue to get better…:

CUT 06(11)      “…always working.”

Saints kicker Brian Johnson kicked two clutch field goals in rainy and windy conditions, including the game-winner with less than two minutes left.

President Biden is still struggling with his polling numbers, with a new Quinnipiac poll showing he has only 40 percent approval. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brannen.”

A Shreveport man is sentenced to 60-plus years for a crime spree in 2018 in which he killed a Domino’s pizza delivery guy, shot AT other people and committed various robberies. 20-year-old Demaria Jefferson will be a very old man by the time he’s released, as his sentence has no possibility of parole.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the state lost nearly 30-thousand jobs from August to September. LWC’s Chief Economist Julian Hwang says Hurricane Ida is to blame for the reduction in the state’s workforce and the recovery takes some time..:

CUT 12(12)      “…as well.”

Over 41-thousand people filed unemployment claims from the time Hurricane Ida hit through the end of September.

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. Doctor Michelle Moore, a Clinical Psychologist with LSU Health New Orleans, advises parents to ask their children more than just how they are doing and have a conversation about how they are feeling. And also find out what type of social media site your children are interacting with…:

CUT 05(06)      “…engaging in technology”

Moore feels the isolation of pandemic restrictions is contributing to kids’ depression.

A startling increase in suicide attempts has prompted pediatricians to call on prioritizing mental health among teens and children. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Governor will announce his decision on coronavirus precautions during a press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. Stephen Procopio (pro-COH-pee-oh), Policy Director for the Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) – who’ve been tracking the pandemic numbers – says PAR is carefully watching the Department of Health data for any sign of a Fifth Wave, as is the Governor’s Office…

New Orleans-based political analyst Ron Faucheux says President Biden is dealing with more negatives than positives. The latest Quinnipiac University poll numbers put Biden’s job approval rating at 40 percent and disapproval at 53 percent. Faucheux on the issues that are helping to bring down Biden’s polling numbers.

Cut 10 (12)  “…cutting against him.” 

The teacher shortage in Louisiana is continuing 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 it’s a trend that started years ago. Faulk says there are teachers who seem dismayed about the profession because of their lack of input into the curriculums they have to abide by.

Cut 12 (12) “…of the process.”

More negatives than positives. That’s what New Orleans-based political analyst Ron Faucheux says President Biden is dealing with less than a year before the mid-term elections which may not bode well for Democratic candidates. Biden’s dropping poll numbers can be linked to those with strong views on issues.

Cut 9 (11) “…his, his position.”

Emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts were up 51-percent between February and March of this year compared to the same period in 2019. Clinical Psychologist with LSU Health New Orleans Doctor Michelle Moore says social media and isolation are contributing factors.

Cut 4 (11) “…mental health issues.”

The Saints needed only one touchdown last night to beat the Seahawks 13-10 in Seattle. Running back Alvin Kamara was productive as a receiver as he caught 10 passes for 128 yards and the lone touchdown. The defense was stingy as they sacked Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith five times. Linebacker Demario Davis had two sacks.

Cut 8 (12) “..get there.”

We’ll find out soon just where the state is headed when it comes to Covid-19 precautions. Governor John Bel Edwards meets with reporters at three this afternoon to outline what Louisiana will continue to have to do to keep the virus in check and headed downward.

Now a check on commodities.

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.

Governor John Bel Edwards will announce this afternoon if he’ll lift the statewide indoor mask mandate. Stephen 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 mask mandate in August, but COVID hospitalizations have fallen to 332, the lowest it’s been since early July.

Schools systems are struggling with a teacher shortage. Louisiana Association of School Superintendent’s executive director Michael Faulk says retirements have increased as some teachers are dismayed with the curriculums they are forced to teach…
cut 12 (12) “…the process”
And Faulk says fewer teachers are entering the profession.

Data from the Moderna COVID vaccine clinical trial indicates the vaccine is both safe and effective for ages 6 to 11…..
cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

State Police say a 19-year-old who was not buckled up was killed in a single-vehicle wreck in St. Landry Parish yesterday. 19-year-old India Faith Young of Opelousas was ejected from her vehicle after striking a culvert. She was pronounced dead at the scene.