11:30 LRN Newscast

Nursing homeowner Bob Dean is facing criminal charges for the 2021 evacuation of seven of his facilities to a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse during Hurricane Ida. More than a dozen patients died shortly afterward. Among the charges is cruelty to the infirm and Dean’s attorney John McLindon says his client was unable to travel to Louisiana due to the storm.
Cut 3 (08) “…a look at it.”
Dean, who lives in Georgia, bonded out of the Tangipahoa Parish jail yesterday.

To help Americans at the pump, President Biden is asking Congress to approve a temporary gas holiday, by removing federal gas taxes for 90 days. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter plans to vote in favor of the proposal, but he also says the administration needs to think long-term.
Cut 12 (08) “…the pump.”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th Annual Meeting begins today in New Orleans. Spokesperson Avery Davidson says a major topic of conversation is the 2023 Farm Bill…
Cut 5 (11) “…in that debate.”
Davidson says the ag industry is dealing with high fuel and fertilizer costs. He also says improved disaster aid provisions need to be in the bill.

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 adds three percent to your bill.

10:30 LRN Newscast June 23

In an effort to reduce the burden of high gas prices on Americans, President Biden is asking Congress for a temporary gas holiday, by suspending the federal gas and diesel taxes for three months. Louisiana Congressman and Democrat Troy Carter says he supports the President’s proposal, but also believes the administration should look at long-term solutions to lower prices.

Cut 10 (09) “…produce fuel.”
Representative Mike Johnson doesn’t believe the suspension of the federal gas tax will be effective…

Cut 13 (11) “…single American.”
Analysts say Biden’s proposal would save motorists about four-percent on a gallon of gasoline.

It’s expected to be the highest power usage on record in Louisiana this week due to the heat wave and David Freese with Entergy says to keep your thermostat on 78 to avoid a large bill. Freese also suggests closing your curtains and blinds and vents in unoccupied rooms and only use fans when a person is in the room.

Cut 8 (08)  “…utility bills.”

Over 15-hundred farmers, ranchers, and their families are in New Orleans for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th annual meeting. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says several political heavyweights are also scheduled to speak.

Cut 6 (13)  “…and they vote.”
Davidson says what should be included in the 2023 Farm Bill is one of the top items on their business agenda.

9:30 LRN Newscast June 23

To help Americans at the pump, President Biden is asking congress for a temporary gas holiday, by removing federal gas taxes for 90 days. 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 temporary removal of the federal gas tax will increase demand without increasing supply.

Democratic congressman Troy 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.” 

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. Dean faces a number of felonies and Legal analyst Tim Meche says this looks bad for 68-year-old Dean…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…almost a life sentence.”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is holding its 100th Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration this weekend in New Orleans. Communications director Avery Davidson says members will focus on the 2023 Farm Bill as the agriculture industry continues to deal with the high costs of fuel and the scarcity of fertilizer.

Cut 5 (11) “…in that debate.”

8:30 LRN newscast

Nursing home operator Bob Dean was booked yesterday on several cruelty charges from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office for evacuating about 800 nursing home residents to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish that was not equipped to care for the elderly. Dean is also facing civil lawsuits and his attorney has told the courts he’s suffering from dementia and legal analyst Tim Meche says that could be a factor in criminal court too…
cut 14 (06) “…elsewhere”

The President’s proposal to suspend federal gas and diesel taxes for three months is getting a chilly response from members of Congress. Representative Mike Johnson doesn’t believe the suspension of the federal gas tax will be effective…
cut 13 (11) “….single American”
Analysts say Biden’s proposal would save motorists about four-percent on a gallon of gasoline.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 100 annual meeting begins today in New Orleans….
cut 1 (34) “….I’m David Grubb”

Air conditioners will be running nearly non-stop over the next few days as temperatures will be around 100-degrees through Sunday. Entergy spokesperson David Freese says they expect to meet the demand for energy….
cut 9 (08) “…ahead of time”

7:30 LRN Newscast

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.”

New Orleans Police is investigating the fatal shooting of a two-year-old boy in the Hollygrove neighborhood. The toddler was pronounced dead at children’s hospital. NOLA-dot-com reports the shooting occurred as a result of a domestic dispute. Charges are expected.

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 adds three percent to your bill.

Over 15-hundred farmers, ranchers and their families are in New Orleans for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th annual meeting. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says several political heavyweights are scheduled to speak during the convention….
cut 6 (13) “…they vote”
Davidson says what should be included in the 2023 Farm Bill is one of the top items on their business agenda.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Forecasters are calling for record heat starting today through Thursday. Brooke Thorington has more from Entergy…
cut 2 (32) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

According to Tangipahoa Parish jail records, nursing home operator Bob Dean bonded out of jail after he turned himself in yesterday. Dean faces eight felony counts of cruelty to people with infirmities, five felony counts of Medicaid fraud and two felony counts of obstruction of justice for moving 800 nursing home residents to an ill equipped warehouse in Independence prior to Hurricane Ida’s landfall.

In an effort to reduce the burden of high gas prices on Americans, President Biden is asking Congress for a temporary gas holiday, by suspending the federal gas and diesel taxes for three months. Louisiana Congressman and Democrat Troy Carter says he supports the President’s proposal, but also believes the administration should look at long-term solutions to lower prices.
Cut 10 (09) “…produce fuel.”

Today in New Orleans, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation begins its 100th annual meeting…
cut 4 (13) “…this state”
That’s Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson who says discussing what should be in the 2023 Farm Bill is one of the key items on their agenda.

4:30 LRN Newscast June 22

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office says they have arrested the owner of seven Louisiana nursing homes, who evacuated hundreds of residents to a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse for Hurricane Ida. Over a dozen people died due to the unfit conditions there. Bob Dean Jr. is not charged with 8 felony counts of cruelty to the infirm, 5 counts of Medicaid fraud and 2 counts of obstruction of justice. Additional charges may be coming.

Governor Edwards has signed a bill inspired by that nursing home tragedy. It requires all nursing homes to submit their disaster preparedness plans with the state Department of Health for approval every year. Bill author Representative Rick Edmonds, of Baton Rouge…:

CUT 12(11)      “…never happen again”

Current state law requires nursing homes to have such plans, but with no mandate for a state authority to review and approve them.

 

A recent operation by the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Teams results in over 150 arrests. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards has signed into law the Crown Act; a measure to prohibit discrimination based upon the way a person wears their hair. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says too many people are passed over or even fired for their cultural hairstyles, and this law will help with that.

5:30 LRN Newscast June 22

Governor Edwards has signed legislation that requires every nursing home in the state to have an emergency preparedness plan approved by the state department of health. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says the previous says law required nursing homes to have an emergency preparedness plan, but it did not require approval from L-D-H….

Cut 13 (06) “…the inspection.”

Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Zachery native 26-year old Jaylon Ferguson was found dead at his home last night. Ferguson’s West Feliciana high school coach Robb Odom says in a short time Ferguson left a strong legacy.

Cut 11 (10)  “…a better person.” 

Ferguson is survived by his fiancé and three children. A cause of death has not been listed and an autopsy is pending.

In a collaborative effort over a two-week period, the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team made just under 200 arrests after a very successful detail. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says several of law enforcement agencies worked together to identify and apprehend a number of criminals.

Cut 6 byproduct of the arrests. :12

Louisiana has received more than $100 million in federal housing assistance to assist over 20-thousand residents with past rent dating back as far as April 2020. Gina Campo, Deputy Executive Director with the Office of Community Development  says for more info visit LA COVID housing – dot com

Cut 4  (07) “…people as possible.”

3:30 LRN Newscast June 22

Rent help for those impacted by the pandemic. Louisiana has received over $100-million in federal housing assistance for the over 20-thousand people with overdue rent dating back to April 2020. The state Office of Community Development’s Gina Campo says it’s welcome help for folks on the verge of being evicted. She says there’s also some help for homeowners with trouble paying their mortgage..:

CUT 05(06)      “…is there.”

There’s a website for more information; “laCOVIDhousing.com”

The Baton Rouge businessman who moved over 800 nursing home residents into a makeshift shelter in a warehouse for Hurricane Ida is now facing criminal charges. Over a dozen elderly and infirm persons died as a result of that evacuation plan. Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office says Bob Dean is charged with felony cruelty to the infirmed, Medicaid fraud and obstruction of justice. Dean’s licenses to operate his seven Louisiana nursing homes last fall.

 

Louisiana Tech University and the Baltimore Ravens are mourning the sudden death of linebacker Jaylon Ferguson. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

The city of Alexandria warns residents not to fall for a scam in which a caller says tells you your power is about to be disconnected unless you submit immediate payment over the phone. They may ask for a credit or ATM card number. Just hang up and report it to the police.

2:30 LRN Newscast June 22

In a collaborative effort over a two-week period, the multi-agency Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team has made nearly 200 arrests. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says 19 different law enforcement agencies in the central part of the state put their heads together and were able to build a plan to apprehend as many violent offenders as possible…:

CUT 07(11)      “…went out there and did.”

He says they have already seen a decrease in drug overdoses, maybe because they’ve also seized so much meth, fentanyl, ecstasy and other narcotics.

An Airman at Barksdale air Force base has been arrested for allegedly distributing child pornography. Bossier Sheriff’s deputies says images obtained while investigating 23-year-old Matthew Daigle were disturbing. All his digital devices have been seized for the ongoing investigation.

Two Evangeline Parish deputies are under arrest for allegedly bringing drugs and other contraband items into the parish jail. They’re charged with Malfeasance and abuse of Office.

 

Governor Edwards signs a bill requiring all Louisiana nursing homes to have and submit to the Department of Health an emergency preparedness plan. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says last year’s debacle with Hurricane Ida evacuations to an unfit facility brought about several deaths, and that’s why he brought the bill. He says nursing homes will have to submit their plans to LDH by March 1st of every year…:

CUT 14(10)      “…transparency.”

A new development in the Hurricane Ida nursing home story: Bob Dean the Baton Rouge businessman who owns the homes in question and ordered the moving of over 800 residents to that warehouse, has been officially charged with felony cruelty to the infirm, Medicaid fraud and obstruction of justice. Dean’s licenses to operate those nursing homes were revoked months ago. More than a dozen residents of his homes died after that evacuation plan.