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.”

Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating after a body was found in a burned car last night in St. Gabriel. St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau says firefighters responded to the call about a vehicle fire on Point Clair Road, near the Old White Castle Ferry Landing about 8:45. The body was discovered once the fire was out.

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A new Amazon distribution center is set to be built in the town of Boyce in Rapides Parish and site prep for the 65,000-square-foot facility on Highway 1 is already underway. President and CEO of Louisiana Central Jim Clinton says they’re all 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.”
The special session ended yesterday, seven days earlier than scheduled and the Republican-controlled legislature approved Governor Jeff Landry’s tough-on-crime agenda. 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” 

Landry is expected to have a bill signing ceremony sometime next week.

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

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
One of those bills means that Non-felon adults will soon be able to carry a concealed firearm without a permit and training will no longer be required by law. But Owner of Concealed Carry NOLA, Dave Newman says training is important for everyone.

Cut 14 (11) “..your chest.”

——-

He was a fierce proponent of vaccines and led Louisiana during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Joe Kanter stepped down from his role as Louisiana’s Health Officer on Monday.  He made an appearance on WWL Radio’s Newell Normand to reflect on his time as the state’s top doc at a time when they were counting down hospital beds and ventilators to the single digits…

Cut 6 (07) “…unpack that.”

Kanter remains on staff at University Medical Center and is a faculty member at LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane School of Medicine.

A man hit by a vehicle in New Orleans last night died of his injuries.  New Orleans Police say the man was walking at France Road Parkway and alvar Street when he was hit around 8:25 last night.  We’re told the victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver who hit him did not wait for authorities.

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”

A jury in New Orleans yesterday found a man guilty of murder in the shooting death of a handyman last year. 56 year old Tracy Wright was convicted in the second-degree murder of Ferdinand Alexander. Prosecutors argued wright shot Alexander in a rage after the handyman failed to fix his car.  Jurors deliberated for more than five hours before returning their verdict.

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The special session ended yesterday and lawmakers approved Governor Jeff Landry’s tough-on-crime agenda, including bills that will expand the methods Louisiana can use to administer the death penalty and change restrictions to parole and probation. Democrats argued against some of the changes, but LA-politics.com’s Jeremy Alford says they never had a chance to stop them from passing…

Cut 11 (07) “…in this process.” 

A new Amazon distribution center headed to the town of Boyce in Rapides Parish. President and CEO of Central Louisiana Jim Clinton says 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.” 

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.”

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.”

————–

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.”

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.”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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”

______________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________________

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” 

_______________________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________________________________

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.” 

_______________________________________________________________________

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.”