Governor Edwards heads to southwest Louisiana this morning to assess the damage from a twister that destroyed homes south of Lake Charles. No major injuries were reported, but it’s another significant weather event for a city recently hit by two major hurricanes, a winter storm, and flooding in the spring.

Once Edwards sees the damage, he’ll travel to Scotland to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference…
cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Starting next month, parents can be rewarded by being involved in their child’s education. Louisiana Department of Education and Family Engagement Coordinator Doctor Antiqua Hunter says it’s part of the Be Engaged Initiative so starting on November 15th parents can download the PimsPoints app and receive points for attending parent-teacher conferences, judging science fairs, and other school-related activities. Hunter says the points can turn into rewards…
cut 6 (08) “…free school supplies”
Or discounts at local restaurants.

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 calling it off last fall due to the pandemic. Fair General Manager Chris Giordano says they are expecting great weather this weekend.
Cut 10 (08) “…Mondays and Tuesdays.”

There are people in Lake Charles once again picking up the pieces after a weather event. National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says yesterday’s severe weather produced a tornado in southwest Louisiana…
cut 14 (12) “….solid tornado”
No major injuries have been reported. Governor John Bel Edwards will survey the storm damage this morning and then it’s off to Scotland, where he’ll attend International Climate Change Summit in Glasgow. Edwards says no other state in the United States is more impacted by climate change than Louisiana…
cut 7 (11) “…foot print”
The state has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

The Louisiana Department of Education has launched the Be Engaged Initiative which is an effort to encourage parents to be more involved in their child’s education. On November 15th, parents can download the Pims Points app and through this app parents can earn points by participating in certain activities…
cut 5 (09) “…points that”
L-D-O-E’s Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, Antiqua Hunter, says the digital rewards could be coupons provided by local businesses, like a certain percentage of money off from a local restaurant.

The 115th State Fair of Louisiana begins today in Shreveport. Fair President and General Manager Chris Giordano says they’ll urge fairgoers to take the proper health precautions…
cut 11 (08) “…throughout the fair”

The severe weather has moved out of the state, but once again there are folks in Lake Charles dealing with storm damage. National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says a squall line produced wind damage in Beauregard, Cameron and Calcasieu parishes…
cut 13 (09) “….E-F 2 greater”
Two neighborhoods near the intersection of Nelson Road and Haim Reid Road suffered the most damage. There are no reports of any major injuries. Governor John Bel Edwards will survey the storm damage this morning.

After surveying the damage, Edwards will head to Scotland where he’ll attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference which begins Sunday. Joining the governor from Louisiana are his advisors and members of the state’s Climate Initiatives Task Force…
cut 8 (11) “….and CPRA”

The 115th State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport. Kevin Gallagher on what you can expect…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, the city of New Orleans says masks will no longer be required indoors starting on Friday, but the vaccine mandate stays in place.

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 115^th 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 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference beginning Sunday until November 4^th, 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 115^th 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.” 

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.