BY VICKI FERSTEL | Staff writer E.J. Kuiper got his start in health care as a physical therapist. Now he's poised to lead Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System as its president and CEO on May 1. Kuiper has spent the past two years as CEO of the Midwest Division for CommonSpirit Health, overseeing 28 hospitals, 1,600 doctors and 14,000 employees across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and North Dakota. Business Editor Timothy Boone talks to Kuiper about his plans. First, there was Neuty the nutria. Now there's Saffron the opposum. Both stories involve wild animals adopted by loving families, much to the consternation of Louisiana wildlife officials. Staff writer Doug MacCash explores the "Bring Saffron Home" campaign. Baton Rouge firefighters rescued a puppy trapped Monday in a rear bedroom of a Pimpernel Avenue house on fire. And the pup is absolutely adorable! |