If you’re an Entergy Louisiana customer, you will soon have three new ways to take a load off the power grid – and to save yourself some money. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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The Louisiana House approves a bill to name a proposed new bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump, but only if there’s a strong financial commitment from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has the story.
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Proposed upgrade plans for the Smoothie King Center aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards were released this weekend. Andre Champagne has the story.
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Entergy Louisiana customers will soon have three new ways to save money. Nyka Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy Louisiana, says those who install smart thermostats can turn the temperature up by a degree or two during peak hours. She says by doing so, they can take a huge strain off the grid, creating a win-win situation.
Cut 4 (05) “…reliable as well.”
Scott says Entergy is giving rebates on up to two smart thermostats – and that’s not all.
Cut 5 (12) “…that as well.”
That EV charging credit is for charging your vehicle during off-peak hours, which during the summertime is outside the hours of two and eight p-m. Scott says there are also incentives for those with solar panels as well.
Cut 6 (10) “…on our system.”
Scott says these programs could also reduce carbon emissions, since they may save Entergy from having to build another gas power plant to provide power. These programs do not apply to Entergy New Orleans customers; they have their own programs.
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A Gonzales Republican is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live-streamed for remote public access. Representative Kathy Edmonston says she’s proposing the bill to bring transparency to the court.
Cut 7 (07) “…bringing the bill.”
Family court almost always involves children in one way or another; and with that, there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says she is aware of those concerns and will likely amend her bill to protect juveniles…
Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”
Edmonston says under her bill, the only way the cameras can be turned off is by mutual agreement.
Cut 9 (07) “…the cameras off.”
Edmonston’s bill only applies to the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish, because that’s the only constitutionally-mandated family court in the state.
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The full House approves a bill that could lead to the naming of a new Baton Rouge bridge over the Mississippi River after President Trump. The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish and the cost could be three-billion dollars. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build the bridge, he’s all for it.
Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”
Lacombe amended the bill to say the bridge will only be named after President Trump if the federal government provides a substantial amount of funding for construction and if such funding is provided prior to January 20th, 2029. The author of the legislation, Monroe Representative Michael Echols, says a new bridge is needed to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city.
Cut 11 (07) “…across that river.”
Echols says he introduced the legislation to get the President’s attention that another bridge is needed in the Baton Rouge area, and it needs supports from the federal government.
Cut 12 (06) “…for 30 years.”
No one spoke out in opposition. Th measure passed on a party-line vote, 68-26. It heads to the Louisiana Senate for more discussion.
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Over the weekend, NOLA-dot-com published proposed plans for a major upgrade to the Smoothie King Center, the home of the New Orleans Pelicans, aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says adding more seats to the lower bowl is one of the more significant aspects of the plan.
Cut 13 (14) “…sit up high.”
Duncan says the Pelicans also want to upgrade fan amenities and hospitality areas designed to enhance the game-day experience, including grab-and-go concession markets, VIP club lounges, new sideline clubs, an upper-level party deck and bunker suites. Duncan noted that the proposed renovations would bring the arena in line with many other NBA venues that already feature similar features.
Cut 14 (12) “…in the past.”
If the proposed renovations are approved, it would be the most extensive renovation that has been done to the Smoothie King Center since it opened in 1999. Duncan expects the Pelicans to use the 400 to 500-million dollars they could receive from the two new NBA franchises to help pay for the renovations.
Cut 15 (07) “…Pelicans’ front office.”
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At LSU pro day, in front of NFL scouts, coaches and executives, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked like the Nussmeier from the 2024 season when he threw for four-thousand yards. Nussmeier was zipping the ball and completed 69 of his 72 passes. Nuss was hampered by an abdomen injury last season, suffered on the second day of training camp. He says he had to learn how to throw the football correctly in a short period of time before competing in the Senior Bowl on January 31st…
Cut 16 (15) “…ground up again.”
Nussmeier’s injury contributed to an underwhelming performance on offense and it also hurt his draft stock. The Lake Charles native says the experience will only make him better…
Cut 17 (14) “…the next level.”
Projected first round draft pick and cornerback Mansoor Delane ran a very fast 4.35. Linebacker Harold Perkins had a 35-inch vetical leap and broad jump of 10 feet and four inches. Linebacker West Weeks ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Receiver and kick returner Barion Brown is expected to be a late-round pick, but Brown is just grateful for the opportunity…
Cut 18 (15) “…for this moment.”
The NFL draft is April 23rd to the 25th.
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