3:30 PM Newscast Feb 29

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 24th 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.”