Small business owners report the COVID pandemic is making it hard for them to get needed inventory and make a profit. More from Kevin Gallagher.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The National Transportation Safety Board believes an issue with the propellers led to the fatal plane crash that killed sports reporter Carley McCord and four others in Lafayette in 2019. An NTSB report says the propellers were not rotating as they should have been and there was an abnormal drag on the small plane.

The next legislative session is six months away and a topic that will surely be addressed is nursing home evacuation plans. Nursing homes are required to submit an evacuation plan to the Louisiana Department of Health every year, but there’s frustration over the decision to send over 800 nursing home patients to a single facility in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida. AARP Louisiana Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says they want to be part of the discussion…
cut 11 (06) “….involved in”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is advising owners of horses to make sure their animals are protected from mosquito-borne illnesses like eastern and western encephalitis. Strain says Hurricane Ida and rains from Nicholas are helping to boost the mosquito population…
cut 7 (08) “…in the environment”
Strain is asking homeowners to make sure they don’t have any standing water on their property.

An FDA advisory panel meets today to debate whether it’s necessary to administer a COVID vaccine Pfizer booster shot. LSU Health Shreveport’s Doctor John Vanchiere, was the principal investigator of the Pfizer vaccine clinical trial in north Louisiana…
cut 5 (12) “…those subgroups”
Vanchiere says the data shows that for people over the age of 65 their immunity begins to wane six to eight months after they complete the second shot of the vaccine.

An NFIB survey finds half of small businesses are impacted by supply chain disruptions. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says inventory issues began when the COVID pandemic arrived and small business owners say the issue has gotten worse and could continue for at least another five months…
cut 15 (09) “….originally started”

Since Hurricane Katrina, nursing homes are required to report their evacuation plans annually to the Louisiana Department of Health. But AARP Louisiana Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says the decision to evacuate over 800 nursing home residents to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida was a complete failure of oversite, enforcement, and planning.
Cut 10 (09) “… a few weeks ago.”
Muhl says nursing home evacuation plans will be revisited in next year’s legislative session and AARP wants to be part of the discussion.

The destruction left behind by Hurricane Ida and the heavy rainfall from Nicholas is creating an excellent breeding ground for mosquitos. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the ongoing surge in mosquitos will lead to other problems…
cut 8 (10) “…and reptiles”
Strain is advising owners to make sure their horses are vaccinated and if you haven’t boosted your horse within six months you need to booster them with a multi-valent for eastern, western and West Nile.

A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee meets today to debate the idea of a third booster shot being needed for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. LSU Health Shreveport’s Dr. John Vanchiere, oversaw the clinical trial of the Pfizer vaccine in north Louisiana and says the agency has much to consider from the data collected thus far.
Cut 4 (11) “…being looked at.”
The CDC will have the final say on who should get a third shot and when.

A National Federation of Independent Business survey finds more than half of small businesses have been negatively affected by pandemic-related supply chain issues. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says member businesses believe there’s little hope of improvement anytime soon.
Cut 13 (10) “…with the holidays”

The mass evacuation of more than 800 nursing home patients to an overcrowded warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish renews calls to revise evacuation plans and oversight. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The FDA may or may not decide the fate of booster shots to battle Covid-19.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The mass evacuation of more than 800 nursing home patients to an overcrowded warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish renews calls to revise evacuation plans and oversight. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Small business owners across Louisiana report the COVID pandemic is making it hard for them to get needed inventory and make a profit. More from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Food and Drug Administration meets today to discuss the idea of a third booster shot being needed for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. Dr. John Vanchiere, LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Pediatrics, says the agency has much to consider from the data collected thus far.

Cut 4 (11) “…being looked at.”

The FDA meeting today may or may not lead to an immediate decision on the necessity for a third shot. Vanchiere was the principal investigator of the Pfizer vaccine clinical trial in north Louisiana.

Cut 5 (12) “…those subgroups.”

Vanchiere says the additional booster could have significant consequences.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the community.”

But, thus far the FDA has been mostly neutral on the need for boosters, even though the Biden administration expects to launch a campaign next week favoring the additional shot.

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Louisiana Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain says concerns about encephalitis and West Nile virus are up given the pre-Ida rainfall, as well as the rains and ponding of water from the storm itself.

Cut 7 (08) “..in the environment.”

Strain says there’s been a two-fold increase in the number of horses getting sick with Equine encephalitis.

Strain says the ongoing surge in mosquitoes will lead to other problems.

Cut 8 (10) “…and reptiles.”

Strain says the various hosts can allow mosquitoes to spread the virus to horses and humans.

Cut 9 (06)  “…can bite pets.”

Strain is advising owners to make sure their horses are vaccinated and if you haven’t boosted your horse within six months you need to booster them with a multi-valent for eastern, western and West Nile. He says people need to do what they can to avoid contact with mosquitoes, cleaning out anything that may be holding water on your property.

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Since Katrina, nursing homes are required to report their evacuation plans annually to the department of health. AARP Louisiana Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says but what happened in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida was a complete failure of oversite, enforcement, and planning.

Cut 10 (09) “… a few weeks ago.” 

Muhl believes nursing home evacuation plans will be revisited in the next legislative session which begins in March and AARP wants to be part of the discussion.

Cut 11 (06) “…involved in.”

The evacuation of the more than 800 patients also brought to light the lack of communication between the nursing homes and emergency contacts for the residents. Once the state began removing patients, family members had to call 2-1-1 to locate their loved ones. Muhl says this is another critical issue that plans should address the notification of next of kin.

Cut 12 (07) “…be avoided.”

Seven patients that were part of the mass evacuation died.

______________________

A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Business shows more than half of small businesses have been negatively affected by pandemic-related supply chain issues. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says member businesses complain they cannot get sufficient supplies of goods to sell, and there’s little hope of improvement anytime soon.

Cut 13 (10) “…with the holidays”

The NFIB survey looks at staffing shortages, levels of sales, and more during the pandemic, which has gone on for over 18 months. Over half of businesses surveyed say the situation is worse than it was 3 months ago. McVea explains what they mean by “supply chain disruptions.”

Cut 14 (11)  “…the supply chain.”

McVea says 86-percent of NFIB members surveyed feel their supply chain issues – and the challenges to making a profit – could continue for another five months or more.

Cut 15 (09)  “…originally started.”

Over 25-percent of NFIB members report significant staffing shortages and losses of sales opportunities due to supply issues.

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Louisiana Tech will welcome one of its former head coaches to Ruston on Saturday when the Bulldogs host Sonny Dykes and the SMU Mustangs. Dykes coached La Tech from 2010 to 2012 and left for California. He got the head coaching job at SMU in 2018 and Tech head coach Skip Holtz believes this is his best team…

Cut  16 (22) “…feet.”

Tech is 1-and-1 on the season after barely getting past Southeastern Louisiana. The Mustangs are 2-and-0 and they are a 13 point favorite. Holtz wants to see his team play with a chip on its shoulder…

Cut 17 (21) “…cylinders”  

SMU Quarterback Tanner Mordecai has thrown 11 touchdown passes in two games. Holtz says he’s also an excellent runner…

Cut 18 (22)”…pass rush lanes.”

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The Saints will look to start the season with a 2-0 record when they take on Carolina on Sunday. The Panthers also won their opening game as they defeated the Jets 19-14. New Orleans Jameis Winston says Carolina has two excellent edge rushers in Haason Reddick and Brian Burns…

Cut 19 (17)  “…good corners.” 

Carolina’s defense recorded six sacks in the win over the Jets. Winston is coming off a game where he threw five touchdown passes. The New Orleans Q-B says everyone played well…

Cut 20 (19)  “…offense” 

The state’s largest healthcare system, Ochsner Health says the vaccination rate among employees has increased to 81-percent since their announcement of mandatory vaccinations. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says the deadline to comply is October 29^th. Thomas supports the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.

Cut 8 (11) “…folks safe.”

The state reports over 16-hundred new COVID-19 cases today; the lowest daily case count since July 20^th. Hospitalizations have dropped to just over 1400. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart credits the wearing of masks and the recent increase in vaccinations.

Cut 12 (10) “…into place.”  

Today is Governor John Bel Edwards’ 55th birthday and he has nearly two and half years left in his second and final term. During his monthly, “Ask the Governor” radio show, Edwards was asked about running for President or Senate against Republican John Kennedy and the governor responded that he doesn’t see a presidential or a Senate campaign in his future.

Cut 10 (09)    Roseland.” 

The movie “Heart of a Lion” based on the life of boxer George Foreman will now be shot in Shreveport rather than New Orleans because of Ida.  Sony line producer, Wendy Williams, says the film will likely be shot in two blocks.

Cut 4  (09) “…greater Shreveport area.” 

Williams says the film starring Khris Davis will reflect on Foreman’s life from the time he was 11 until he was 45.

The state’s largest healthcare system, Ochsner Health says the vaccination rate among employees has increased to 81-percent since their announcement of mandatory vaccinations and the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says the deadline to comply is October 29^th…:

CUT 06             (11)      “…leave Ochsner”

Some feel mandating vaccines could lead to staffing shortages when medical facilities need them worst.

Happy Birthday Governor John Bel Edwards, who turns 55 today. The 56^th Governor of Louisiana says after his term is over he’ll return to private life, and NO he doesn’t see himself running for the White House…:

CUT 09             (09)      “…with that”

State health officials report just over 1600 new cases of coronavirus; the lowest daily number since mid-July. Why is that? Ochsner Chief medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart feels the 4^th surge and the emergence of the Delta variant made a lot more people want the vaccine…:

CUT 13            (07)      “…caution”

Hospitalizations from COVID are at 1431. A great number of those are un-vaccinated.

A movie first set to be filmed in New Orleans has been relocated to Shreveport, due to the destruction of Hurricane Ida. Sony Line Producer, Wendy Williams, says “Heart of a Lion” follows the life of boxer George Foreman….:

CUT 03             (06)      “…until he’s 45”

The film will employ well over a thousand extras and other local jobs in Shreveport.

State health officials report the lowest daily count of new COVID cases since mid-July. 1663 new cases, with hospitalizations having dropped statewide to 1431. Dr. Robert Hart is Chief Medical Officer for Ochsner says the emergence of the Delta variant – which was the cause of the 4^th surge – reminded us to mask up and maintain distance from others…:

CUT 14  (12)        “larger settings”

Ochsner Health has mandated its employees to get vaccinated or file for an exemption and undergo frequent testing. The company has hit about 81-percent compliance, but the deadline is coming at the end of October. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says the mandate is necessary to protect both patients and employees…:

CUT 07  (08)        “…our patients”

A movie that was set to be filmed in New Orleans, has moved production to Shreveport thanks to Hurricane Ida. Sony Films line producer Wendy Williams says more than 1500 local jobs will be created…:

CUT 05  (06)        “…number of extras”

The film is “Heart of a Lion”; the story of pro boxer George Foreman. The devastation of Hurricane Ida made it impossible to begin filming on schedule in the Crescent City. Sony expects to spend millions in Shreveport during production.

A former employee at the Wal-Mart – reportedly the one in Carencro – has gone viral with a video of her quitting her job … over the storewide public address system. The Not Suitable for Work video contains some salty language as Beth McGrath calls her store manager a pervert, shames two other managers for turning a blind eye and accuses the company of being a terrible place to work; with heartless labor practices and pay. So far no official comment from Wal-Mart.

Ochsner Health says it now has 81-percent of its employees vaccinated against COVID, but the deadline to reach total vaccination is looming. Here’s Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02  (32)        “…Thorington”

State Police report a Houma city policeman was killed this morning in a Terrebonne Parish car crash. Troop C says 21-year-old Officer Austin Bush was driving his police unit on State Highway 648, when he hit a roadside log and careened into a ditch filled with water. The crash is under investigation.

Happy Birthday to Governor John Bel Edwards, who turns 55 today. When asked about the milestone during his monthly “Ask the Governor” statewide radio show, Mr. Edwards said he plans to continue to serve the state once his term ends in 2023… but not in politics…:

CUT 11  (11)        “…as well”

COVID-19. The state reports over 1600 new cases this week; the lowest weekly new case count since mid-July. Hospitalizations have dropped to just over 1400. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart credits the wearing of masks AND the recent increase in vaccinations…:

CUT 12  (10)        “….into places”

Just under about half of the state’s people have been vaccinated.

COVID hospitalizations have decreased by 90 to 1,431, it’s the lowest since July 26^th. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart credits the mask mandate for the decreases and an increase in vaccinations. Hart says as bad as the fourth surge has been he believes it made several who were unvaccinated rethink and get the shot.

Cut 13 (07) “…caution.”

Today is Governor John Bel Edwards’ 55th birthday and he has nearly two and half years left in his second and final term. During his monthly, “Ask the Governor” radio show, Edwards was asked about running for President or Senate against Republican John Kennedy and the governor responded that he doesn’t see a presidential or a Senate campaign in his future.

Cut 10 (09)    Roseland.” 

A film once destined to be shot in New Orleans is being moved to Shreveport because of the damage caused by Hurricane Ida.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Dave Brannen.” 

The state reports 1,663 new COVID cases which is the lowest new daily case count since July 20^th. COVID fatalities increased by 48 for a total of 13,366.

The state’s largest healthcare system, Ochsner Health says the vaccination rate among employees has increased to 81-percent since their announcement of mandatory vaccinations and the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says the deadline to comply is October 29^th.

Cut 6 (11) “…leave Ochsner.” 

The movie “Heart of a Lion” based on the life of boxer George Foreman will now be shot in Shreveport rather than New Orleans because of Ida.  Sony line producer, Wendy Williams, says the film will likely be shot in two blocks.

Cut 4  (09) “…greater Shreveport area.” 

Williams says the film starring Khris Davis, of “Detroit” and “Judas and the Black Messiah” fame, will reflect on Foreman’s life from the time he was 11 until he was 45.  Fifteen hundred extras will be hired locally in Shreveport to take part in the movie.

Today is Governor John Bel Edwards 55th birthday. The state’s 56th governor has nearly two and a half years left in his second and final term. During his monthly, “Ask the Governor” radio show, Edwards was quizzed about running for President one day. The governor says he doesn’t see a presidential campaign in his future

Cut 9 (09) “…with that” 

According to AARP’s nursing home dashboard, in the four-week period ending August 22ⁿ resident COVID cases increased by 463 and staff cases by more than a thousand from the previous four-week period. The organization’s Andrew Muhl says the vaccination rate among nursing home residents in Louisiana is 83-percent and, 48-percent for staff as of August 22^nd.

Cut 14 (10)  “…vaccination rates.”