TRANSCRIPT
You’re listening to Red River Radio News.
Good morning, I’m Jeff Ferrell.
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INTRO:
Livestock producers are sounding the alarm about disruptions in the U.S. beef supply being caused by the immigration crackdown.
Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton has more:
SOT:
“The Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and the Kansas Livestock Association issued a joint statement that said in part, ICE operations are having a massive chilling effect on the industry. The groups say the Trump administration's actions are affecting legal, documented, skilled workers by causing workforce disruptions, resulting in delayed shipments causing unnecessary costs to producers, which they say will translate into higher food prices.”
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INTRO:
Louisiana farmers say they're benefitting from higher commodity prices by absorbing the higher costs of things like fuel and fertilizer.
But economists aren’t sure how long the higher commodity prices will last.
LSU AgCenter Economist Michael Deliberto says weather patterns around the globe are playing a role in low yields in Louisiana and across the country:
SOT:
“I think a lot that was brought on by just the reduction in production that was anticipated domestically, but also the threats of El Nino, dryness, wetness in different hemispheres.”
TAG:
Deliberto says that while farm commodities like corn, soybeans and rice have risen nearly 20% since January, fuel costs have risen 60% since March.
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INTRO:
In Texas, a proposal to reduce or eliminate more than 20 programs - that advocates describe as critical for people with disabilities, children, and low-income families – is getting major pushback.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) says it took a surgical approach to the proposed cuts.
But at a recent hearing, dozens of advocates urged lawmakers to protect the programs, including Lynn Cowles, with the group Every Texan:
SOT:
“Recognizing that a three percent budget cut would detriment all Texans in the long term is necessary at this point.”
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INTRO:
Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is asking the nominee for FDA Commissioner to commit to a visit to the state.
He says a visit will give her a better understanding of the real-world impact of FDA decisions on Louisiana’s seafood industry.
Nungesser sent a letter to Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health Committee overseeing the confirmation of Dr. Heidi Overton:
SOT:
“We want to make sure before she's confirmed, one, she understands the risk of the imported seafood and crawfish, but secondly, that she commits to come to La and hear our concerns and to protect the domestic seafood industry all over this country.”
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INTRO:
The Arkansas Department of Education reports a lower percentage of schools receiving a “D” or “F” grade.
Sarah McKenzie, with the University of Arkansas, credits a revised school rating formula that allows high-poverty schools to be rated more fairly:
SOT:
“So, two-thirds of the calculations for middle and elementary schools are about how much kids are growing in school, how much they’re learning. And while we still want kids to read and have numeracy and that that’s the goal, they aren’t going to get there magically. We have to grow them along the way.”
TAG:
The Audio comes courtesy of Little Rock Public Radio.
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The National Weather Service in Shreveport is calling for
* Sunny conditions today with a high near 93, on this first full week of fall.
* Tomorrow: high inches of to 94, then back to 93 Wednesday.
* Thursday, a chance of showers and thunderstorms returns, with a high dropping to 89 degrees, then 84 Friday as those chances of rain & storms stick around.
* It's looking like at least the western half of the Four State Region could see excessive heavy rainfall by late this week as early as Wednesday night but especially Thursday into Thursday night. This could result some flooding concern.
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