After announcing his resignation this week, Dr. Joe Kanter reflected on his time as the state’s top doc during the pandemic.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The special session ends with Governor Jeff Landry’s tough on crime agenda receiving approval from the Republican-controlled Legislature. I’m Jeff Palermo.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the bill allowing non-felon adults to carry a concealed firearm without a permit which means training required to receive those permits will no longer be required. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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Dr. Joe Kanter, who led Louisiana during the COVID-19 pandemic stepped down from his role as state health officer Monday. On WWL Radio Newell Normand’s show, Kanter reflected on his tenure as the state’s top doc and said he’s looking forward to the next step in his career.

Cut 4 (13) “…need it.”

Kanter remains on staff at University Medical Center and is a faculty member at LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane School of Medicine. Kanter, who grew up in Illinois and Florida, became a daily fixture during the pandemic said he considers New Orleans home now.

Cut 5 (11) “…I was.” 

Louisiana was among the hardest hit early in the pandemic and when the state’s death rate rose to one of the highest in the nation Kanter worked 21-hour days.

Before entering the next phase of his career, the emergency room physician said he plans to reflect on the last few years. Kanter said at the peak of the pandemic when they were counting down hospital beds and ventilators to the single digits…

Cut 6 (07) “…unpack that.”

Kanter was also a fierce proponent of vaccines and was among the first healthcare providers to be vaccinated.

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A new Amazon distribution center will be constructed in the town of Boyce in Rapides Parish. President and CEO of Central Louisiana Jim Clinton says while many companies tend to set up distribution hubs along Interstates 10 and 20, they are beginning to see breakthroughs in the past year with Lowes and now Amazon for Central Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “…of sense.”

Clinton says site prep for the 65,000-square-foot facility located along Highway 1 off Rapides Station Road is already underway.

Cut 8 (11) “… part-time jobs.” 

Clinton says they are excited to have Amazon, one of the most recognized brands in the world coming to Boyce and they hope others follow their lead.

Cut 9 (07)  “…want more.”

Louisiana Central along with the Boyce Chamber of Commerce will share hiring information for Amazon when it becomes available on their website and social media pages.

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The special session ended yesterday, seven days earlier than scheduled and the Republican-controlled legislature approved Governor Jeff Landry’s tough-on-crime agenda. Landry is expected to have a bill signing ceremony next week and La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a big political victory for the new governor

Cut 10 (07) “…we’ll see.”

The bills approved in the special session include concealed carrying of firearms without a permit, expansion of methods to administer the death penalty, changes to the age of juvenile offenders, and restrictions to parole and probation. Democrats argued against these proposals, but Alford says they never had a chance to stop them from passing…

Cut 11 (07) “…in this process.” 

There were bills that received near unanimous approval, the expansion of drug courts, and increased penalties for carjacking and distribution of fentanyl. Will these changes actually lead to less crime? Alford says the state legislature has a history of swinging back and forth between smart on crime and tough on crime…

Cut 12 (11) “…policymaking” 

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Non-felon adults will soon be able to carry a concealed firearm without a permit as Governor Landry is expected to sign the bill that passed in the special session. Owner of Concealed Carry NOLA, Dave Newman believes the training that will no longer be required is still important to protect the gun owner and he hopes they will still seek training.

Cut 13 (10)  “…clean it.”

Training is important to keep yourself and others safe, says Newman. It’s not enough to be proficient at hitting targets at the gun range. He says it’s important to train under pressure.

Cut 14 (11) “..your chest.”

Newman is concerned that many who may know how to safely use and care for a gun are confused about when it’s legal to use a gun, putting them at risk for lawsuits and prison. He says it’s important for gun owners to know the law not just think they know it.  People are charged with crimes and it’s not as simple as saying you were in fear for your life…

Cut 15 (10) “…like prison.”

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Saints Head Coach attended the first Day of the NFL Combine today. Coaching staffs from across the league will have a chance to gauge top draft prospects live and in person over the next three days in Indianapolis. While some fans see the practice as obsolete given the volume of film and team workouts prospects have, Allen says the combine allows scouts attach a name and face to the film…

Cut 16 (16) “…evaluation process.” 

Former All-Pro Right Tackle Ryan Ramczyk was rumored to be considering an early retirement after dealing with a nagging knee injury the past couple of seasons. The 29-year-old underwent a minor knee procedure and Allen expects him to be back in time for training camp…

Cut 17 (17) “…month and a half ago.” 

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Louisiana Tech welcomed new Athletics Director Ryan Ivey to campus Thursday. Ivey, who has more than 18 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, has served as Stephen F. Austin’s Athletics Director since 2018. He guided the school through a conference change, increased ticket sales by more than 189 percent, and completed more than $30 million of facility improvements, but Ivey says student athletes will always be his top priority…

Cut 18 (16)  “…in our society.” 

Ivey brings over 11 years of experience as Athletics Director to Ruston. Ivey says he’s seen firsthand the support and commitment the university and community have for one another and hopes the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters can help to do their part…

Cut 19 (22) “…without a house.”

With the uncertainty of NIL deals and transfer portal decisions, many universities have been left behind by the power conferences. Ivey says he recognizes the unique challenges Louisiana Tech will face in the coming years…

Cut 20 (19) “…Louisiana Tech athletics.”

The special session on crime has wrapped up and legislation to expand methods Louisiana can use to carry out a death sentence passed.

The bill which the governor is expected to sign allows the state to use the electric chair or nitrogen gas as a means of execution New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the proposal…
cut 9 (09) “…simply unacceptable”
Religious arguments were also made against the bill and opponents also called the death penalty inhumane.

But Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says the death penalty is already legal in and it’s time to re-start executions by requiring that lethal injections records sealed…
cut 11 (10) ” this vote”
The last execution in Louisiana was in 2010 as the state cannot obtain the drugs needed to carry out a lethal injection.

Also headed to the Governor, is a bill to lengthen the time from 3 months to 6 months for a first-offense DWI offender must have an ignition interlock device in order to drive. Several lawmakers raised concerns about the installation and maintenance of the device, which Covington Representative Mark Wright estimated was 500-dollars. He says financial assistance is available for low-income individuals…

Cut  14 (08) “..drink or drive.”

19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia whose body was found January 24^th in the Ouachita River was last seen by family members when she left with a friend headed to north Louisiana around New Years. Catahoula Parish Sheriff Toney Edwards says they are following up on leads as to that person’s identity and multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting.

Cut 5 (10) “..work with.”

The special session on crime has ended and a bill to restart executions of death row inmates passed after an emotional vote on the Senate floor.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And a bill to lengthen the amount of time a first-offense DWI offender must have an ignition interlock device to drive from three months to six months. Covington Representative Mark Wright …

Cut 13 (09) “..what’s necessary”  

The body of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia was positively identified as the one found on January 24 in the Ouachita River. Turner’s dismembered body was found floating approximately three miles north of Jonesville.  Catahoula Parish Sheriff Toney Edwards says they are following up on leads and deputies are working with authorities in Iberia Parish and areas in between.

Cut 4 (11) “…incident.” 

Preliminary estimates show Louisiana’s crawfish crop approaches 140 million dollars loss. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain has written two letters this month to the USDA requesting federal assistance under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program. His second letter sent Wednesday requested expansion or clarification…

Cut 6  (10) “…for crawfish.” 

Governor Landry’s Special Session on Crime as come to an end with several bills passed. Headed the Governor’s desk… Legislation that would expand the methods Louisiana can use to carry out a death sentence is headed to Governor Landry after final passage Thursday. The bill allows the state to use the electric chair or nitrogen gas to end a death row inmate’s life. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the proposal…

Cut 9 (05) “…simply unacceptable.” 

Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says the death penalty is already legal and this legislation gives the state the tools to resume executions…

Cut 11 (05) “…worst crime”

Also headed to the Governor, a bill that lengthens the time from 3 months to 6 months a first-offense DWI offender must have an ignition interlock device in order to drive. Several lawmakers raised concerns about the installation and maintenance of the interlock ignition device, which Covington Representative Mark Wright estimated was 500-dollars. He says financial assistance is available for low-income individuals…

Cut  14 (08) “..drink or drive.”

19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia whose body was found January 24^th in the Ouachita River. was last seen by family members and left with a friend headed to north Louisiana around New Years. Catahoula Parish Sheriff Toney Edwards says they are following up on leads as to that person’s identity and multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting in the investigation.

Cut 5 (10) “..work with.”

If you have any information about the case, you are asked to contact the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Department.

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is requesting federal assistance for crawfish farmers after last year’s drought and devastating losses. He was in Washington D.C. earlier this month and met with Louisiana’s congressional delegation to discuss those struggles. He’s also meeting with state legislators.

Cut 8 (09) “…the drought.” 

Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill that will lengthen the amount of time a first-offense DWI offender must have an ignition interlock device in order to drive. Current law is three months, this bill extends it to six months. Covington Representative Mark Wright says the longer time period will help create the habit of not drinking and driving…

Cut 13 (09) “…long enough”  

Last year’s drought was unprecedented and losses to several of Louisiana’s industries reached around one point seven billion dollars. Commissioner Mike Strain has written 2 letters this month to the Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting federal assistance for struggling crawfish farmers under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program. He says ELAP needs to expand to help struggling crawfish farmers.

Cut 7 (10) “…main problem.”  

After the body of missing 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia was found in Catahoula Parish, authorities say they are following up on multiple leads. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Jefferson parish will be home the first us manufacturing facility for two key lithium ion battery ingredients. Dimethyl carbonate and ethyl methyl carbonate. The Japanise chemical company UBE is investing 500 million dollars and is expected to result in 47 direct new jobs and 300 construction jobs during building. The place will be located in Energy Park in Jefferson parish

The body of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia was positively identified as the one found on January 24^th in the Ouachita River. She was last seen alive around New Year’s. Catahoula Parish Sheriff Toney Edwards says they are following up on leads which includes Turner’s social media activity and friends.

Cut 3 (09) “…particular area.”  

Preliminary estimates show Louisiana’s crawfish crop loss approaches 140 million dollars and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain has written 2 letters this month to the Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting federal assistance under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program. His second letter sent Wednesday requested expansion or clarification…

Cut 6  (10) “…for crawfish.” 

Legislation that would restart executions of death row inmates in Louisiana is nearing final legislative approval after an emotional vote on the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Senate has sent a bill to the governor’s desk that would increase the penalties for a drug dealer convicted of packaging fentanyl so it would appeal to children. A person convicted would face to 25 to 99 years in prison. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris

Cut 14 (07) “..from fentanyl.”

Legislation to expand the methods Louisiana can use to carry out a death sentence is nearing final legislative passage. The Senate approved the bill to allow the state to use the electric chair or nitrogen gas to end a death row inmate’s life. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says the legislation is unconstitutional because the death penalty is applied in a discriminatory way…

Cut 10 (13) “…against this.”

Right before the vote, Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter recognized the families of victims of death penalty cases who were watching from the gallery with Governor Jeff Landry…

Cut 12 (05)  “…the victims”  

The amended bill is expected to receive final passage in the House later today.

The last execution in Louisiana was in 2010 because the state cannot obtain the drugs needed to carry out a lethal injection.

The body of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia was positively identified as the one found on January 24^th. Turner’s dismembered body was found floating in the Ouachita River by a fisherman approximately three miles north of Jonesville.  Catahoula Parish Sheriff Toney Edwards says they are following up on leads which includes Turner’s social media activity and friends. He says deputies are working with authorities in Iberia Parish and areas in between.

Cut 4 (11) “…incident.” 

If you have any information about the case, you are asked to contact the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Department.

LSU women’s basketball is entering the final week of the regular season and after scoring a season-high 26 points at Tennessee, LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey says that Hailey Van Lith’s struggles this season were expected, but that she’s proud of how Van Lith embraced her new position as a point guard this season.

Cut 17 (20) “… in the now.”

LSU women’s basketball will take on Georgia tonight at 8 pm.

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In men’s college basketball last night, Louisiana Tech won their third straight road game against Western Kentucky 90 to 84. The Bulldogs are now in first place in Conference USA and will take on Sam Houston State next Thursday at 6 pm, for the Conference USA regular season championship.

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LSU Baseball had a very successful game last night against Rice as the Tigers defeated the Owls 16 to 4. The Tigers scored their 16 runs on 11 hits including two home runs by Catcher Brady Neal and starting pitcher Kade Anderson only allowed 3 hits in 5 innings.

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In other college baseball news, Southeastern defeated Mississippi Valley State 12 to 0 on a night where they did not allow a single hit. Nicholls barely lost to South Alabama 11 to 10. ULM scored 13 unanswered runs after the 5th inning to beat Stephen F. Austin 13 to 2. Louisiana Tech also defeated McNeese 13 to 4 to stay undefeated on the year. And the Ragin’ Cajuns powered past Northwestern State 14 to 4 as UL-Lafayette catcher Kyle Debarge had two home runs on the night including a grand slam in the first inning.

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And Opelousas’s first Division II Non-select title will be short lived as the LHSAA has now stripped their title due to the participation of an ineligible player during the season.

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In men’s college basketball last night, UL-Lafayette lost their fourth straight game to Troy 87 to 73.