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.” 

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.

The Louisiana Legislature has approved legislation to repeal the Raise the Age Law. Jeff Palermo reports it means 17-year-olds charged with felonies will go through the adult justice system…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A bill to allow non-felon adults to conceal carry received full passage in the legislature yesterday. It will go into effect July 4^th.

In September 58-year-old Bill Daspit vanished, and his wife Lara (pronounced Laura) Daspit has put up billboards in Lafayette in hopes of finding him. She says he was last seen on video near their home in the small town of Coteau Holmes in St. Martin Parish.

Cut 6 (11) “…home.”

Daspit is described as a 5-foot, 10-inches tall, white male with brown hair weighing 218 pounds. For more information visit Louisiana Radio Network dot com

A Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans has made the decision to no longer throw plastic beads. Freret Captain Bobby Hjortsberg says the feedback to do away with beads has been extremely positive and Freret along with other krewes in New Orleans are focusing on more sustainable throws like socks, luggage tags, masks, and hats. Hjortsberg says even local bead vendors are jumping on the trend and expanding their options.

Cut 9 (04)  “…be fine.”

A St. Martin Parish woman is asking for any clues in hopes of finding her husband who went missing five months ago. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Krewe of Freret is taking a bold step to make plastic beads a thing of the past. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Legislature has approved legislation to repeal the Raise the Age Law. Jeff Palermo reports it means 17-year-olds charged with felonies will go through the adult justice system…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Five months ago, 58-year-old Bill Daspit vanished, and his wife Lara (pronounced Laura) Daspit has put up billboards in Lafayette in hopes of finding him. She says he was last seen on video the evening of September 10^th after wrecking his motorcycle near their home in the small town of Coteau Holmes in St. Martin Parish

Cut 4 (10) “…not right.”

Coteau Homles is approximately seven miles east of St. Martinville.

Daspit says her husband wears thick sunglasses due to his glaucoma and they were found alongside his helmet and motorcycle in a ditch about 100 yards from their home. She says people who know him won’t recognize him without them.

Cut 5 (06) “…unusual eyes.” 

She says detectives have very few leads and if you know anything to call the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 6 (11) “…home.”

Daspit is described as a 5-foot, 10-inches tall, white male with brown hair weighing 218 pounds. You can see a photo along with information on how to contact authorities and Lara Daspit on our website at LouisianaRadioNetwork-dot-com.

Lead Detective Gabrielle Nelson at St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office 337-394-3071

Lara Vergenal Daspit 337-654-8160

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The Krewe of Freret is taking the bold step and prohibiting plastic beads from being thrown by members of their organization in the future. Freret Captain Bobby Hjortsberg (J is silent) says many of the plastic beads contain toxins, they end up in trees and wreak havoc on New Orleans’ drainage system.

Cut 7 (11) “…bad idea.”

Hjortsberg says the co-ed and diverse organization had been thinking about doing away with plastic beads for some time, but because their Krewe is only thirteen years old, they didn’t want to necessarily rock the boat.

Cut 8 (11) “…the decision.” 

He says the feedback to do away with beads has been extremely positive and Freret along with other krewes in New Orleans have been focusing on more sustainable throws like socks, luggage tags, masks, and hats. Hjortsberg says even local bead vendors are jumping on the trend and expanding their options.

Cut 9 (04)  “…be fine.”

In 2018 along a five-block stretch of St. Charles Avenue, 46 tons of plastic beads were retrieved from the catch basins.

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Heading to the governor’s desk is a bill that would put 17-year-olds who commit felonies in the adult criminal justice system. The legislation repeals a law that went into effect in 2019 that currently has 17-year-olds who commit non-violent crimes prosecuted as juveniles. But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says 17-year-olds are becoming more violent

Cut 10 (10) “…society.”

The bill passed on a 74-26 vote. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says juvenile detention facilities has been plagued with problems since  17-year-olds have been added to the population. He knows because he as one in his district…

Cut 11 (11) “…to hospitals.” 

The 26 no votes came from Democrats. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the legislation will not provide any help for a 17-year-old who could use some rehabilitation…

Cut 12 (10) “…single thing.” 

LaPlace Representative Sylvia Taylor is also a practicing attorney and doesn’t like the idea of sending 17-year-olds to an adult prison…

Cut 13 (09)  “…be better.”

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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 of this proposed law would face to 25 to 99 years in prison. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris hopes this legislation will save a young person’s life

Cut 14 (07) “..from fentanyl.”

Under current law, a person faces at least five years in prison for distributing a small amount of fentanyl. Morris says drug dealers are making fentanyl pills in the shape of animals…

Cut 15 (10) “…younger audience.”

The legislation received unanimous approval in the Senate.

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The ninth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team is at Georgia tonight. It’s the final week of the regular season as the Lady Tigers have two more games left before the SEC Tournament. Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith have one more year of eligibility, but Coach Kim Mulkey expects this will be their final year at LSU…

Cut 16 (16) “.what they wanted to do” 

Mulkey says Reese wanted to play two years at LSU after transferring in from Maryland and Van Lith wanted to spend one season at LSU. Van Lith is coming off a season-high 26-point performance against Tennessee. Van Lith has had an up-and-down season as she’s been learning to play point guard. Mulkey says Van Lith’s struggles were expected…

Cut 17 (20) “…in the now.” 

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Cut 18 (19)  “…every game.” 

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Cut 19 (19) “…physical game.”

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Cut 20 (20) “…show up.”

Legislation to allow permit less carry in Louisiana is the first bill in the crime special session to receive final legislative approval. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (37)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The wife of Leon Ruffin, the murder suspect who pepper sprayed a deputy while being transported back to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center from a hospital, Sunday has been arrested on charges that she helped in his escape. 52-year-old Shelita Ruffin of Westwego is being held without bail, her husband was found Tuesday afternoon at a New Orleans hotel room.

LSU Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels will not work out at the NFL Draft combine in Indianapolis this week. WWL Radio football analyst Mike Detillier says it’s not a big deal that Daniels does not throw, he says the physical exam and interviews with NFL teams are more important…

Cut 11 (08) “…for the NFL”
The piglet that was tossed around like a football after a Mardi Gras parade received a full pardon from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser today and “Earl the Pig Long” has been officially adopted by East Baton Rouge Representative Lauren Ventrella. And even though the piglet was assured a cruelty-free remainder of his life, Nungesser and Ventrella hinted at possible career options for Earl.

Cut 9 (09) “…lobbying efforts.” 

Louisiana adults who are not felons will soon be allowed to carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training as a result of a bill given final legislative approval by the House today. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says criminals are walking around with concealed guns so law-abiding citizens should legally have the same opportunity…

Cut 6  (15) “…defend themselves.” 

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry expressed concern about numerous individuals possessing a gun in large crowds.

Cut 5 (11) “..Bourbon Street”

The House approved the bill on 75-28 vote. Governor Jeff Landry plans to sign it and it will go into effect on July 4th.

Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels reportedly met with the Saints at the NFL draft combine. Daniels could be the number two overall pick, but the Saints have the 14th selection in the first round. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Saints executives like to speak with the top players in the draft…

Cut 10 (11) “…twice a year.”

And the piglet that was tossed around like a football after a Mardi Gras parade received a full pardon from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser at the state capitol today. “Earl the Pig Long” has been officially adopted by East Baton Rouge Representative Lauren Ventrella. Nungesser says Earl will now reside at Ventrella’s family farm.

Cut 8 (12) “…in Louisiana.” 

Legislation to allow permitless carry in Louisiana is the first bill in the crime special session to receive final legislative approval. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (37)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

And there are reports that serious negotiations are in the works to bring the beloved Beaver Buc-ee to Lafayette. That Bucee’s to be constructed along I-10 would be the second in Louisiana, a store near Ruston is scheduled to open next year.

A record number of 124 wildfires were reported in Louisiana, Friday to Monday. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says if you plan to burn any brush piles anywhere in Louisiana with the current conditions, do not leave them unattended.

Cut 15 (11) “…on fire.”

There are burn bans in effect in Beauregard, Morehouse, Union, Washington, and Calcasieu Parishes.

The piglet that was tossed around like a football after a Mardi Gras parade received a full pardon from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser today and “Earl the Pig Long” has been officially adopted by East Baton Rouge Representative Lauren Ventrella. And even though the piglet was assured a cruelty-free remainder of his life, Nungesser and Ventrella hinted at possible career options Earl could entertain.

Cut 9 (09) “…lobbying efforts.” 

State officials are urging residents to be extremely cautious about lighting anything on fire after dry and windy conditions contributed to a record number of wildfires over four days. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says from Friday to Monday there were 124 fires in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (07)  “…four-day weekend.”

There are burn bans in Beauregard, Morehouse, Union, Washington, and Calcasieu Parishes.

Tulane Professor of Health Policy and Management Mark Diana says independent rural hospitals are at the highest risk of closing and cutting services. He says those owned by hospital systems may fare better because they benefit from the size of the system.

Cut 12 (11) “…rural hospitals.” 

More than one in four Louisiana rural hospitals are at risk of closing or having to cut services according to a report from Chartis.

Legislation to place a lifetime limit of two terms as governor in Louisiana has been filed for the upcoming regular session. Chalmette Republican, Representative Mike Bayham says serving as governor is one of the highest honors any civilian can have in the state.

Cut 7 (07) “…already served?”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is talking about the upcoming regular legislative session, saying he wants to cut down on the number of regulations insurance companies face in Louisiana, so more providers will want to do business here. Temple says he’ll lobby for the end of the three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a customer they’ve insured for three years…

Cut 5 (05) “…in the state.” 

The regular session begins March 11^th.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is discussing his agenda for the upcoming regular legislative session. Temple says he’ll ask lawmakers to put more state dollars towards the popular fortified roof program, which gives homeowners in south Louisiana ten thousand dollars to strengthen their roofs.

Cut 4 (11) “…stay dry.”

Legislation to place a lifetime limit of two terms as governor in Louisiana has been filed for the upcoming regular session. Chalmette Republican, Representative Mike Bayham. When asked if the legislation is to keep former Governors Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards from running again, Bayham says its about changing the political culture in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…political past.”

The regular session begins March 11^th.

More than one in four Louisiana rural hospitals are at risk of closing or having to cut services according to a report from Chartis, a national health care consulting firm. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”