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”