LSU has announced that they will require fans to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Tiger Stadium now. The announcement was made on their Twitter page, those ages 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR COVID test taken within 72 hours prior to entry. The first home game is September 11^th.

https://lsusports.net/news/2021/08/24/tiger-stadium-2021-covid-19-protocols-announced/

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 offering has received full FDA approval. 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 Pfizer vaccine received full FDA approval Monday for ages 16 and older.

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.

Jameis Winston has made a strong case that he should be the starting quarterback for the Saints. In last night’s preseason win over Jacksonville, Winston threw for 123 yards and two touchdowns and just one incompletion on ten attempts. Coach Sean Payton is not providing the media a timeline on when he’ll make a decision…

Cut 6 (10) “…next week” 

Winston’s competition for starting Q-B is Taysom Hill.

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.” 

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 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.

Louisiana added another 12,700 jobs from June to July and ended the month up 58,200 jobs year-to-year. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says the state is moving in the right direction despite the 4^th COVID wave. Fiore says if you are unemployed visit laworks.net.

Cut 6 (07) “…right now.”

While the scenes out of Afghanistan are horrifying as US Troops are withdrawing from the war-torn country after providing stability for more than two decades, the situation is extremely upsetting to US Afghanistan vets.  Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says they’ve been contacted by several veterans who served in the Middle East.

Cut 10 (10) “…country.” 

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle according to AAA research don’t be surprised if that new car or pickup costs more than you anticipated. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says remember upkeep and costs associated with a vehicle go well beyond your monthly car note.

Cut 7 (10) “…. insurance.”

The most significant part of the average $10,000 is vehicle depreciation.

An LSU survey finds people took a lot more fishing trips in the spring of 2020 compared to 2019, seemingly due to pandemic era isolation policies. LSU Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Professor Stephen Midway says traditionally fishing is used as a social bonding experience, but their poll found the reasons anglers gave for heading out are changing…

Cut 13 (09) “…pandemic.”

An estimated 44 million Americans consider themselves anglers.

COVID hospitalizations have fallen below 3,000, but COVID-related deaths remain high, another 67 Louisianans were added to the statewide for fatalities Friday. It was two and half weeks ago when the Governor reissued a statewide mask mandate.

Governor John Bel Edwards says 28-percent of all new COVID cases are children, which he says points to the reason why face coverings are required in schools. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

While there’s lots of focus on being vaccinated for COVID, healthcare professionals are also reminding the public to remember to get their annual flu shot. In order to make the process for both as convenient as possible Walmart Market Health and Wellness Director Mohamed Salem says you can do both at any of their stores.

Cut 9 (10) “…Louisiana.”

Salem says another convivence the store has added is the ability to schedule an appointment for your shots and it’s only a click away.

Get ready for a hot weekend, with high temperatures in the mid-90s and heat indices reaching 110-degrees for some parts of the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system is settling in over the region and it is pushing tropical storm systems away from the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 13 (11) “…temperatures”

Two public meetings in Baton Rouge this week were disrupted by anti-mask protesters, upset their children are forced to wear a mask, calling it child abuse. At his Friday afternoon press conference Governor John Bel Edwards says everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread of COVID and failing to do so can have lethal consequences

Cut 5 (11) “…that simple”

Ochsner has administered about 9,700 monoclonal antibody treatments to COVID patients across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Northshore.  Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says the treatments have been highly effective.

Cut 6 (11) “..vaccinated” 

At Ochsner’s Lafayette facility Thomas estimates they are administering about 300 to 400 treatments a week.

The CDC says it’s ok to get your flu shot and your COVID vaccination at the same time. In order to make the process for both as convenient as possible Walmart Market Health and Wellness Director Mohamed Salem says you can do both at any of their stores and to schedule an appointment it’s just a click away.

Cut 10 (08) “…a computer.”

We’ll see some of the highest heat indexes of the year this weekend with temps around 110 degrees in South Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve been lucky to have some recent storms keep the temperatures down but that won’t be the case for the next few days.

Cut 12 (12) “…sun” 

Heat indexes in north Louisiana will be lower due to the lack of humidity, but still at or over 100 degrees.

The state reported nearly six thousand new COVID-19 cases on Friday. Governor Edwards says for the last couple of days 28-percent of all new cases are in children and this is troubling with schools re-opening and because transmission among children is very high is why a mask mandate is in place for schools…

Cut 4 (11) “…in our schools” 

We’ll see some of the highest heat indexes of the year this weekend with temps around 110 degrees in South Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says until this heatwave passes be careful, and be safe because this level of heat and humidity combined can be very dangerous.

Cut 14 (11) “..clothing.”

Ochsner reports monoclonal antibody treatments have been highly effective in limiting COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit, along with the FBI and the New Orleans Police Department, made their fifth arrest in conjunction with the trafficking of a juvenile from an investigation that began in 2018. LSP says they’ve arrested 30 year-old Cornell Cobbins of New Orleans for trafficking a child for sexual purposes and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

COVID hospitalizations have fallen below 3,000, but COVID-related deaths remain high, another 67 Louisianans were added to the statewide today for fatalities. It was 18 days ago when the Governor reissued a statewide mask mandate.

Ochsner has administered about 9,700 monoclonal antibody treatments to COVID patients across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Northshore. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says they’ve received additional help from paramedics in running their infusion suites and can now offer the treatment within a day or two of qualification.

Cut 7 (08) “…down”  

Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says the treatment has been highly effective.

While there’s lots of focus on being vaccinated for COVID, healthcare professionals are also reminding the public to remember to get their annual flu shot. In order to make the process for both as convenient as possible Walmart Market Health and Wellness Director Mohamed Salem says you can do both at any of their stores.

Cut 9 (10) “…Louisiana.”

Salem says another convivence the store has added is the ability to schedule an appointment for your shots and it’s only a click away.

We’ll see some of the highest heat indexes of the year this weekend with temps around 110 degrees in South Louisiana.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve been lucky to hate some recent storms keep the temperatures down but that won’t be the case for the next few days.

Cut 12 (12) “…sun” 

Heat indexes in north Louisiana will be lower due to the lack of humidity, but still at or over 100 degrees.

On Thursday the state reported 3,013 COVID hospitalizations and 91-percent of those patients are unvaccinated. 5,550 new COVID cases were also added to the tally along with 58 new fatalities.

One of those patients that’s is hospitalized is 39-year-old Jessica Cooper.  She works in disaster relief for the 2016 floods, Cooper is in the ICU at Baton Rouge General. She’s a single mom from Lake Charles and wasn’t vaccinated because it would require her to be off medication for several weeks in order for the vaccine to be effective.

Cut 4 (12) “…attacks quick.”

Cooper encourages those who are able to get vaccinated and do so as soon as possible. Governor John Bel Edwards will hold his weekly COVID press conference today at 1:30.

A long-term study of the impacts of just one year of early childhood education shows getting four-year-olds in pre-K programs can have a huge impact on their academic success. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The Little League World Series kicks off today and Lafayette Little’s head coach Steven Menard says they’re a resilient team that really came together after a tough game in the State Championship against South Lake Charles.

Cut 13 (08) “…for us.”

Lafayette’s first game will be at 4 PM against South Dakota.