After two years apart, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation reunites to celebrate 100 years of service this weekend. David Grubb has more.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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Entergy says the oppressive heat could translate into the highest power usage on record this week. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Louisiana nursing home owner Bob Dean faces criminal charges related to residents’ deaths that occurred in the days after Hurricane Ida. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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The state’s largest general farm organization, The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, is holding its 100th Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration this weekend in New Orleans. This is the first time the meeting will be in-person since 2019, due to the pandemic. Communications director Avery Davidson says the federation is as strong as ever.
Cut 4 (13) “…across the state.”
During the convention, Davidson says members will focus plenty of attention on the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill as the agriculture industry continues to deal with the high costs of fuel, the scarcity of fertilizer, and attempts to address disaster recovery here in Louisiana.
Cut 5 (11) “…in that debate.”
The Federation continues to grow in both size and influence. Davidson says over the past 50 years membership has increased from roughly 30 thousand to more than 136 thousand across the state. Further evidence of their clout is the number of political heavyweights that will be in attendance…
Cut 6 (13) “…and they vote.”
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The oppressive heat in Louisiana this week will be responsible for the highest power usage on record, that’s according to Entergy. Utility spokesperson David Freese says one way to save on your bill is to set your thermostat to 78 degrees.
Cut 7 (12) “…per the household.”
Freese says every degree below 78 can add three percent to your bill.
Heating and cooling can account for more than 50 percent of your power bill. Freese says there are some other steps besides adjusting your thermostat that you can take to help reduce usage. Like closing blinds and curtains to reduce sunlight in your home, closing vents in unoccupied rooms, and running fans.
Cut 8 (08) “…utility bills.”
With the current heat wave responsible for air conditioning units running almost nonstop, Freese says they’ve been in communication with utility partners to assist the power grid should they be unable to meet demand and so far they don’t anticipate any issues.
Cut 9 (08) “…ahead of time.”
For more energy-saving tips visit Entergy’s website.
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In an effort to reduce the burden of high gas prices on Americans President Biden is asking congress for a temporary gas holiday, by removing federal gas taxes for 90 days. Louisiana Congressman and Democrat Troy Carter says while he praises the effort he believes the administration should be looking at long-term solutions to lower prices.
Cut 10 (09) “…produce fuel.”
Carter says we should also be looking at ways to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Republican Congressman Mike Johnson says Biden’s attempt to lower gas prices temporarily is a desperate political attempt to help Democrats in the mid-term elections and he’s ignoring the long-term solution.
Cut 11 (06) “…half baked idea.”
Johnson also fears the temporarily removal of the federal gas tax will increase demand without increasing supply.
Carter says he plans to vote in favor of the proposal and he believes the temporary removal of the 18.4 cents federal tax on gas and the 24.4 cents on a gallon of diesel will help, but the administration needs to think long-term.
Cut 12 (08) “…the pump.”
Johnson says however he along with most Republicans will most likely support the measure because the party is against higher taxes but he doesn’t believe the tax cut will be extremely effective.
Cut 13 (11) “…single American.”
Johnson says Americans would save roughly 3.6% at the pump if the tax removal is approved as gas prices average $5 a gallon nationwide.
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State Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office announces the arrest of Bob Dean, the owner of seven Louisiana nursing homes, who ordered residents evacuated for Hurricane Ida to unfit conditions in a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse. Over a dozen people died as a result. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the first thing he noticed about the A.G.’s press release Wednesday was what information was missing…:
Cut 14 (12) “…released on bond”
Dean currently lives in Georgia. He is charged with 8 counts of felony Cruelty to Persons with Infirmities, 5 counts of Medicaid Fraud and 2 counts of Obstruction of Justice. The A.G.’s office also says more charges could be pending. Meche says this looks bad for the 68-year-old Dean…:
Cut 15 (09) “…almost a life sentence.”
The arrest and charges against Dean come after a joint effort by the A.G.’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the state Bureau of Investigations. Meche says this case has a lot more developments sure to occur, but he feel that Landry’s office could have more forthcoming in their announcement…:
Cut 16 (11) “…for the public to know.”
Dean is being sued in civil court over the deaths. His attorneys argue he’s not mentally competent at this time to stand trial. Meche says that argument will likely come up in criminal proceedings against Dean as well.
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The New Orleans Pelicans made the playoffs last season, but find themselves with a top ten selection in tonight’s NBA Draft. The top four players on the board seem set, but after that, it seems like anyone’s guess. Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says it appears the Pels have plenty of interest in one player in particular.
Cut 17 (20) “ …versatility on defense.”
One of the major factors in New Orleans turning its season around was the improvement of the Pelicans’ defense. If they select Dyson Daniels, who played last season for the NBA’s G-League Elite squad, Madison says they’ll get a highly-skilled and versatile defender with room to improve offensively.
Cut 18 (19) “ …in Fred Vinson.”
The Pelicans have 14 of their 15 roster spots already filled, and they have three picks in the draft, including two second-round selections. There has been speculation that New Orleans may be looking to move a couple of players, and Madison says it’s more likely the Pels trade back to unload Jaxson Hayes or Devonte Graham than it is that they move up to snag one of the top players on the board.
Cut 19 (17) _“…be made there.”
It’s been quite some time since Pelicans fans have been as optimistic heading into the draft. It seems like a new day in New Orleans and Madison says David Griffin and the rest of the front office are in an enviable position.
Cut 20 (13) “ …them to make.”
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