A House committee passes legislation that allows the state to release a terminally ill inmate 120 days prior to his or her expected death. Andre Champagne has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
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The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging you this Easter to choose chocolate instead of a live animal. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolates is celebrating another successful Easter candy season. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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Chemistry students at Nicholls State are discovering a way to make biodiesel and save a substantial amount of money in the process – and it involves using crops available in their own backyard. The research team discovered a way to make biodiesel using algae and oyster shells. Samia Elashry (SAHM-yah eh-LASH-ree) says they turned the oyster shells into a powder, extracted the oil from the algae and mixed them together.
Cut 4 (09) “…the top layer.”
Elashry says using this method can slash the cost of making biodiesel in Louisiana by as much as 85-percent.
Cut 5 (04) “…to collect them.”
Elashry notes that algae grows naturally and abundantly in Louisiana, so this could one day be a lucrative business in the state.
Cut 6 (05) “…can grow anywhere.”
And furthermore, Elashry says if the catalyst from the oyster shells can be recycled, that’s fewer oyster shells that’s needed to make the biodiesel.
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A bill is moving through the House that would allow the state to release an inmate 120 days prior to his or her expected death, instead of the current 60-day window. Department of Corrections Secretary Gary Westcott supports the legislation. Westcott says inmates up for medical early release are either terminally ill, brain dead or incapacitated.
Cut 7 (06) “…of their life.”
Louisiana’s two-month window for medical early release is the shortest in the country. Wescott says by giving the state an additional two months, it allows the department more time to adequately determine the appropriate care for an inmate very close to death.
The bill’s author is state representative Jerome Zeringue. The Houma Republican calls himself a tough on crime legislator, but compassion can be shown to an inmate’s family in this situation.
Cut 8 (14) “…members as well.”
Westcott says three inmates have received medical parole this year. Ten were released last year. The secretary says if an inmate is released under medical parole, the inmate can be returned to state custody if his or her health improves.
Cut 9 (08) “…back to custody.”
The House Criminal Justice Committee unanimously approved the bill, and the measure heads to the House floor. If approved, the measure could save the state money; because once an inmate is released because they are terminally ill, Medicaid picks up the cost of their health care.
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This Easter, the Humane Society of Louisiana has a simple message – choose chocolate over live animals. In an effort to create a holiday memory, parents may include a live chick tucked into an Easter basket or buy a live animal as an Easter present. HSLA Executive Director Jeff Dorson says those holiday props may seem like a good idea, but only temporarily.
Cut 10 (11) “…what have you.”
Dorson says live animals require a commitment that many are not prepared to make.
Cut 11 (12) “…of a bunny.”
Dorson says there’s always an uptick in surrenders to shelters around Easter every year, and LDWF also sees an increase in calls as well.
Cut 12 (12) “…sick or injured.”
Furthermore, young poultry can carry Salmonella, which can pose a very serious health risk to the children they’re given to. Dorson says if you’re looking for a more health-conscious alternative than chocolate, a plush toy will work just fine.
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Despite higher cocoa prices, which has increased the price to make chocolate candy this year, Ponchatoula-based Elmer Candy has seen brisk sales for their Easter candy. That’s according to Elmer Candy CEO Rob Nelson.
Cut 13 (08) “…a couple years.”
According to InvestorsObserver, Easter Candy prices have increased 67-percent since 2020. But Nelson says it still has been good year for Elmer Chocolate.
Cut 14 (09) “…be very brisk.”
Nelson says their Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash continue to be among the most popular Easter candies in the Gulf South.
Cut 15 (06) “…in the country.”
Nelson says next year they plan to introduce new flavors for Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash next year. If you go to Elmer’s social media channels, you can choose what you would like to see next year or give a suggestion.
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The LSU baseball team will look to carry its three-game winning streak into Knoxville this weekend as the Tigers face Tennessee. The Vols may not have Tony Vitello as their head coach anymore, but LSU coach Jay Johnson says they’re still the same dangerous team they’re used to playing.
Cut 16 (13) “…they’re plenty capable.”
Johnson provided an update on junior pitcher Cooper Moore’s status heading into the weekend, as he continues to deal with triceps soreness. Johnson says Moore is progressing well.
Cut 17 (17) “…be a stretch.”
Johnson says a more realistic return for Moore would be during the Texas A&M series.
Johnson was asked about his interest in coaching at the major league level and did not completely rule out the possibility in the future.
Cut 18 (14) “…the country, forever.”
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UL-Lafayette football is now two weeks into spring practice. The Cajuns have their future starting quarterback in Lunch Winfield, but they’re working to build depth behind him. Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says former Catholic High standout Daniel Beale, who saw significant action last season, is emerging as Q-B two.
Cut 19 (10) “…offense very well.”
Last season, the Cajuns lost several offensive linemen to season-ending injuries. As they work to develop younger players, Desormeaux says sophomore Jakoby Isom (EYE-sum) showed promising flashes when called upon and is now emerging as a contender for a starting role.
Cut 20 (16) “…his best position.”