Full FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID vaccine gives way to vaccine mandates and possibly relieving hesitancy. Brooke Thorington talks with a physician that helped oversee the Pfizer Trial.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state health department is reporting a decline of COVID patients in the hospital. Last Tuesday, COVID hospitalizations reached a pandemic high of 3,022. Since then it’s declined to 2,838. L-D-H says 91-percent of those hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated.

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education says it will not hold a special meeting to discuss mask mandates in schools. BESE says they tried to discuss the issue last week, but members of the public refused to wear masks and also disrupted the meeting by shouting. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder believes BESE should hold a special meeting and establish clear guidelines of what attendees can and cannot do…
cut 6 (11) “….a reason”
BESE says requested five times for audience members to wear masks and not talk out of turn, but after failing to get compliance the board voted to adjourn.

House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says the Bond Commission did not delay 30-million dollars in public financing for construction projects just because of the city’s vaccine policy to enter many businesses. The motion to delay came moments after the Bond Commission delayed funding for Superdome renovation projects…
cut 11 (05) “…agenda”

State workers will likely soon have to either show proof of vaccination or submit to periodic COVID tests. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Two-point-two million people in Louisiana have started the vaccination series. That is 48-percent of the state’s population and 40-percent of the state’s residents are fully vaccinated. The governor’s office says 50-percent of adults in Louisiana are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education says it will not hold a special meeting to discuss whether masks should be required in public schools. The issue was set to be discussed last week, but people who came to voice their opinion refused to wear a mask and were vocal about it. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says concerned parents should call or email their BESE representative…
cut 5 (11) “….with it”

Now that the F-D-A has given full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccine, will we see more vaccine mandates? LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says in healthcare institutions it’s paramount that employees are not potential spreaders of COVID in convalescent settings…
cut 15 (09) “….do no harm”

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education says it will not hold a special meeting to discuss mandatory masks in schools after adjourning last week’s meeting early due to outbursts from protesters, who also refused to wear a mask in a state-building. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder urges BESE to reconsider…
cut 4 (11) “….whatever it be”
But BESE members say because of all of the disruptions during last week’s meeting, they had no choice but to adjourn early.

House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says the State Bond Commission did not pause tens of millions in funding for projects in Orleans Parish over the city’s vaccine policy. Zeringue says the decision was made because out of 64 parishes Orleans was receiving a quarter of construction funding.
Cut 10 (06) “…legislators.”
Zeringue says six of the 22 projects slated for Orleans were ultimately approved, including a 39 million dollar Sewage and Water Board project.

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has received full approval from the U-S Food and Drug Administration. There are some who fear the mRNA vaccine was rushed and long-term effects are unknown. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says the mRNA platform for developing vaccines has been under development for several decades…
cut 14 (12) “….pandemic hit”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the governor’s office is working on plans to require state workers to either be vaccinated or submit to periodic COVID tests now that the Pfizer vaccine has received full FDA authorization…
Cut 7 (07) “…for you.”
An Associated Press report says federal funding will likely be used to pay for regular testing of state employees.

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education says it will not hold a special meeting to discuss masks in schools after adjourning early last week due to numerous disruptions from an anti-mask crowd. Brooke Thorington has thoughts from a legislative leader…
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

BESE has given Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley a positive job evaluation. Brumley has been on the job for just over a year.

The Food and Drug Administration has given full approval to Pfizer’s COVID vaccine. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere oversaw clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine and says he’s excited and relieved the important milestone has been achieved.
Cut 13 (11) “…their vaccine.”

House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says the vaccine mandate that New Orleans has in place to enter many businesses is not the reason why the Bond Commission delayed construction funding for several projects in the city…
cut 12 (07) “…projects”
Zeringue says the decision was made because Orleans Parish was set to receive a quarter of the construction funding and they want to make sure the entire state is getting its fair share.

BESE issued a unified response for adjourning last week’s meeting early after protestors refused to comply with mask mandates and have no plans to meet before the current mask mandate expires.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s 30,000 public sector employees will likely soon have to either show proof of vaccination or submit to periodic COVID tests. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Full FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID vaccine offering gives way to vaccine mandates and hopefully relieves hesitancy. Brooke Thorington talks with a physician that helped oversee the Pfizer Trial.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After voting 8-2 to adjourn last week’s BESE meeting early, due to protestors’ outbursts and refusal to wear masks, board members issued a unified statement that they will not hold another special meeting before the Governor’s current mask mandate ends, Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder urges BESE members to reconsider…

Cut 4 (11) “…whatever it be.”

Schexnayder says in the meantime parents and constituents should call or email BESE members over any concerns they may have.

Cut 5 (11) “…with it.”

In order for BESE to hold another public meeting before the Governor’s current statewide mask mandate for those ages 5 and older ends September 1st, Schexnayder says BESE should set out clear guidelines of what attendees can and cannot do during an in-person meeting.

Cut 6 (11) “…a reason.”

After more than five requests for audience members to wear masks and not talk out of turn during the August 18^th BESE meeting, members voted to adjourn.

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State Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the Edwards Administration is working on plans to require state workers to either be vaccinated or submit to periodic COVID tests.

Pfizer received full FDA authorization Monday. Dardenne says with that in hand they will be establishing a vaccination policy for the roughly 30,000 state employees. 

Cut 7 (07) “…for you.”

Dardenne says he hopes this news will spur employees who are unvaccinated into getting the shot as the policy is set to get into effect “sooner rather than later”.

Cut 8 (10) “…effective.” 

The frequency and duration of that mandatory testing program that will be implemented has not been determined yet but Dardenne says one thing is certain…

Cut 9 (04) “…employees.”

An AP report suggested federal funds would be used to administer the testing policy. 

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House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says the State Bond Commission did not pause tens of millions in funding for projects in Orleans Parish over the city’s vaccine policy.

Zeringue says the decision was made because out of 64 parishes Orleans was receiving a quarter of construction funding.

Cut 10 (06) “…legislators.” 

Zeringue says six of the 22 projects slated for Orleans were ultimately approved, including a 39 million dollar Sewage and Water Board project.

The vote to pause that funding for a month was held immediately after the Superdome saw 28 million dollars in line of credit paused over vaccine policy. Zeringue says the Dome was a separate issue that did not influence this decision.

Cut 11 (05) “…agenda.”

No explanation for why the parish construction funds were paused was provided at the meeting.

The timing of the decision, and an insinuation by the Governor’s Executive Council, pointed to the decision being retribution for Mayor Cantrell’s proof of vaccine policy. Zeringue disagrees.

Cut 12 (07) “…projects.”  

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The FDA gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID vaccine on Monday and LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere who helped oversee clinical trials for the Pfizer vaccine says he is both excited and relieved the important milestone has been achieved.

Cut 13 (11) “…their vaccine.”

While many fear the mRNA vaccines have been rushed and we don’t know long-term effects, Vanchiere says the mRNA platform for developing vaccines has been under development scientifically for several decades.

Cut 14 (12) “…pandemic hit.”

As for vaccine mandates, Vanchiere says in healthcare institutions it’s absolutely paramount that employees are not potential spreaders of COVID in convalescent settings.

Cut 15 (09)“…do no harm.”

The state’s largest hospital system, Ochsner Health, has stated they will require employees to be fully vaccinated once FDA full approval is granted.

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ULM failed to win a game last season, so there’s a lot of work to do in Monroe in order for the Warhawks to become a winning football program. Sophomore safety Jabari Johnson says the new coaching staff is setting the right tone

cut  16 (16) “…came from.”

The media has not been allowed to watch practices and Sunday was the first time first-year coach Terry Bowden and players spoke to the media since preseason camp started. Johnson says the team is improving on a daily basis…

Cut 17 (18) “… every day.”  

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LSU is eleven days away from its much anticipated season opener at UCLA. Sophomore Quarterback Max Johnson is excited for the opportunity to play in a historic venue like the Rose Bowl…

Cut 18 (18)”…of fun.”

Senior defensive end Ali Gaye after spending most of August practicing against each other, they are ready to face another team…

Cut 19 (20)  “…all out.” 

There’s a concern about the offensive line. It did not perform well in the first scrimmage and showed some protection. Center Liam Shanahan says they’ve taken some strides

Cut 20 (20)  “…before UCLA.” 

Pfizer’s COVID vaccine now has full FDA approval for everyone 16 and older. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says this opens the door for public and private entities to begin requiring vaccinations…

Cut 4 (12) “…medication” 

As a result of the FDA’s decision UL System students will either need to provide proof of vaccination or claim a personal exemption the next time they register for classes. President Jim Henderson says their request to add fully FDA-approved vaccines to their immunization schedule was approved by the Louisiana Health Department

Cut 9 (08) “…institutions.”

An LSU spokesperson says the school is reviewing the authorization and will “soon” administer guidance on what the institution’s upcoming vaccine policy.

A 13-year New Orleans Police veteran was shot and killed Saturday in Houston during a stick-up at a restaurant, while he was dining on the patio with friends. New Orleans Councilman Jay Banks knew Officer Everett Briscoe well and that Briscoe leaves behind a loving family that is in shock.

Cut 7 (13) “…tie”  

Cops say two people entered the restaurant just after 5 PM and began demanding people hand over their valuables. A witness says everyone complied and it is not confirmed why one of the assailants then opened fire, fatally striking Briscoe and wounding another person. One witness claims one of the assailants lost their composure when they saw Briscoe’s firearm while he was lying on the ground.

We’ve now seen five straight days of declining COVID-related hospitalizations, evidence that the 4^th surge appears to be waning in Louisiana. 

The Food and Drug Administration grants full approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination which many physicians hope will lead to more vaccine mandates. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the Pfizer vaccine is now fully approved for ages 16 and up.

Cut 3 (11) “…their staff.” 

UL System students will either need to provide proof of vaccination or claim a personal exemption the next time they register for classes, to enroll at the system’s nine schools. President Jim Henderson says they can’t force students to take the vaccine, but he hopes full FDA approval will push more of them off of the fence. He says they’ve tried to convince students to get the shot…

Cut  11 (07) “…approval.”  

A 13-year New Orleans Police veteran was shot and killed Saturday in Houston during a hold-up at a restaurant. New Orleans Councilman Jay Banks knew Officer Everett Briscoe well…

Cut 6 (11) “…citizen” 

According to eye-witness reports, two people entered the restaurant just after 5 PM and began demanding people hand over their valuables. A witness says everyone in the restaurant complied and it is not confirmed why one of the assailants then opened fire, fatally striking Briscoe and wounding another person.

Beginning today the multistate Powerball game will draw numbers three times a week as opposed to only two. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says adding a Monday night drawing will hopefully be a cure for the Monday Blues.

Cut 13 (09) “…that’s Monday.”

The FDA gives full authorization to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, a milestone achievement for medical science in the face of this historic pandemic. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says with this in hand organizations, private and public, can now move ahead with vaccine mandates.

Cut 5 (09) “…to do that.”

The UL System schools have a policy ready to go.  President Jim Henderson says their policy is now that students will either need to provide proof of vaccination or claim a personal exemption the next time they register for classes. He says it’s not really a mandate because state law prohibits true vaccine mandates at schools…

Cut 10 (08) “…dissent”

An LSU spokesperson says they are reviewing the authorization and plan to issue guidance on their vaccine policy soon.

New Orleans Police veteran Officer Everett Briscoe shot and killed Saturday in Houston during a stick-up at a restaurant. New Orleans Councilman Jay Banks was a close friend of Everett Briscoe and says this surge in violence sweeping the nation has to end.

Cut 8 (11) “…tell me.”

Cops say two people entered the restaurant patio just after 5 PM and began demanding people hand over their valuables. A witness says everyone complied and it is not confirmed why one of the assailants then opened fire, fatally striking Briscoe and wounding another person.

Beginning today the multistate Powerball game will draw numbers three times a week as opposed to only two. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says hopefully this will spark increased interest in the game and lead to Louisiana’s first Powerball winner since 2018…

Cut 14 (12) “..October 2017.”

The FDA gives the Pfizer COVID vaccination full backing, Brooke Thorington talks with a Tulane epidemiologist about the pandemic milestone.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

There’s evidence that the 4^th wave of the pandemic is starting to break in Louisiana. At mid-week last week Louisiana had over 3,000 COVID-related hospitalizations, now we’re down to 2,838.  

A 13-year New Orleans Police veteran was shot and killed Saturday in Houston during a stick-up at a restaurant, while he was dining on the patio with friends. New Orleans Councilman Jay Banks knew Officer Everett Briscoe well and that Briscoe leaves behind a loving family that is in shock.

Cut 7 (13) “…tie”  

Briscoe was in Houston on a trip with fellow members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.

Beginning today the multistate Powerball game will draw numbers three times a week as opposed to only two. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says with Powerball drawings are now Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, and Megamillions on Tuesday and Friday…

Cut 12 (12) “…covered” 

The state reports almost 11-thousand new COVID -19 cases today, which includes numbers from the weekend. The state says new cases in ages 5 to 17 made up the highest rate of new cases per 100-thousand of any age group over the last week, which is a first for the state. Hospitalizations remained below 3,000 at 2,838 in which 91-percent are unvaccinated.

The FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccine today, which also allows local governments and universities to issue vaccine mandates. Tulane School of Medicine Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says there’s plenty of the Pfizer vaccine available in the US.

Cut 5 (09) “…to do that.”

She expects the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines to receive full FDA approval also.

13-year New Orleans Police Officer Everett Briscoe was fatally shot Saturday at a Houston restaurant during an apparent stick-up. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Now that the FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccination nearly 40-thousand state employees could be facing the choice of vaccination or regular testing. Governor John Bel Edwards announced last week that once a vaccine receives full approval the state will implement stricter testing requirements for employees.