AM LRN Newscall Oct 28

The Louisiana Department of Education is launching the “Be Engaged Initiative” next month with the goal of getting parents and others more involved in a student’s education outside the classroom.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Governor Edwards travels to Scotland today to attend the International Climate Change Summit. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The 115th State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport, after a year off due to COVID. Kevin Gallagher has more on what we can expect…:

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education is launching an initiative to get parents, families, and communities more involved in student outcomes. Dr. Antiqua Hunter with the LDOE says the “Be Engaged Initiative” involves the app, PimsPoints, that’s used to track points earned while involved with a child’s education.

Cut 4 (08) “…into the system.”

And then the person earning the points can redeem the coupons or digital rewards. You can begin downloading the app on November 15.

Dr. Hunter says there are a variety of ways for parents to earn points while assisting in their child’s education, for example.

Cut 5 (09) “…points for that.”

Dr. Hunter is hoping businesses will get involved in offering coupons for the Be Engaged Initiative, and for those districts with a lack of such participation, the schools could offer their own rewards.

Cut 6 (08) “…free school supplies.”

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Governor Edwards is headed to the Scottish Lowlands today to take part in the International Climate Change Summit in Glasgow. Edwards says there’s no other state in the United States more impacted by climate change than Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…footprint.”

Edwards will attend meetings at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference beginning Sunday until November 4th, along with advisors and members of his Climate Initiatives Task Force.

Cut 8 (11) “…and CPRA.”

Last year Edwards signed an executive order last year launching a Climate Change Initiatives Task Force to create policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by net zero in 2050. Edwards says he wants the state to learn more about and take advantage of new technology aimed at reducing our carbon footprint.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

The Race to Zero campaign is part of a global effort of thousands of governments, higher education institutions, and businesses working to stop the worsening effects of climate change.

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The 115th State Fair of Louisiana gets underway today in Shreveport. Once again the rides, games, live entertainment, and livestock events will be open for all to enjoy, after having to call it all off last fall due to the pandemic. Fair President & General Manager Chris Giordano says the storms have passed and it will be great weather for the opening weekend.

Cut 10 (08)  “…Mondays and Tuesdays.” 

Giordano says the fair planned to reopen this year, and just deal with whatever COVID mask mandates might still be in effect. He says it is just fortunate happenstance that Governor Edwards ended the mask order in time for the opening. He says they’ll still take health precautions.

Cut 11 (08) “…throughout the fair.”

Giordano says to expect the famous midway rides and games, with some new rides this year. He says the LRCA rodeo finals will happen next weekend, and there will even be a TV crew from The Cooking Channel to feature some of the tasty midway foods.

Cut 12 (07) “…across the country.”

For information or tickets, go online to “StateFairOfLouisiana.com”

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Southwestern parishes in the state are shifting through damage bought on by tornadoes and high winds Thursday as a cold front made its way through the state. Lake Charles National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says a squall line was responsible for reported damage in Beauregard, Cameron, and Calcasieu parishes.

Cut 13 (09) “…EF-2 or greater.”

Brazzell says there was widespread wind damage in the areas of the state still recovering from two devasting hurricanes in 2020. He says then even things got dicey for national forecasters in Lake Charles.

Cut 14 (12)  “…solid tornado.”

As cold fronts begin to make their way into the state this time of year, Brazzell says unfortunately this type of weather which can easily spawn tornadoes is not unusual.

Cut 15 (11)  “…quite a bit.”

The most extensive damage reported in Lake Charles was in two neighborhoods near the intersection of Nelson Road and Ham Reid Road.

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The Saints return to practice today to get ready for their big NFC South clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside the Superdome on Sunday. The defending Super Bowl champion Bucs are six and one, but Tampa Coach Bruce Arians is impressed with the Saints defense…

Cut  16 (25) “got problems.”

The Bucs will be facing their former starting quarterback Jameis Winston. The former number one pick played five seasons in Tampa. Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead says they know Winston can make plays…

Cut 17 (11) “ .against him.” 

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The Ragin Cajuns are getting ready to host Texas State for homecoming. The Bobcats are two and five, but U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says their record is not reflective of the talent they have…

Cut 18 (18)”…throw game.”

Saturday’s game kicks off at 11 AM. Napier says the early kickoff should not impact how his team plays…

Cut 19 (17)  “…for real.”

Freshman running back Montrell Johnson has started to emerge. He’s rushed for over 100 yards in his last two games including a 150-yard, two-touchdown performance last Thursday at Arkansas State. Napier is not surprised the New Orleans native is having an excellent rookie campaign…

Cut 20 (21)  “he’s humble.”