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.