Today’s headlines from the Hope News team. You can listen to hourly bulletin updates at hopenews.com.au.

Over 16s across the country can now book in for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Sydney’s eastern suburbs is now being prioritised – people in the Randwick local government area can get a jab at the vaccination hub in Brighton-Le-Sands.

It’s in response to a growing number of COVID-19 cases in the area from an illegal gathering in Maroubra on August 14.

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The NSW Chief Psychiatrist said we should assume everyone is struggling with lockdown, and have open conversations about the challenges.

A record number of calls has been made this month to support services like Lifeline.

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Three Sydney schools are closed for the day due to COVID cases.

Plunkett Street and Ropes Crossing Public schools as well Colyton High are being deep cleaned.

A COVID alert has been issued for Quality Medical Centre in Merrylands for six days last week.

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The strongest hurricane to hit the US state of Louisiana in nearly 200 years has made landfall, bringing winds of up to 240km an hour.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated.

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A US drone strike has killed a suicide car bomber, who Pentagon officials said was preparing to strike Kabul airport.

It comes as American forces work to complete a withdrawal that will end two decades of military involvement in Afghanistan.

The UK has announced its evacuation mission has now ended.

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An attack on an airbase in southern Yemen has killed at least 30 soldiers.

Yemeni officials are blaming Houthi rebels.