Jessie Hoffman will not be executed next Tuesday. Federal Judge Shelly Dick ruled in favor of the death row inmate in his quest for the state not to use nitrogen hypoxia to execute him for kidnapping, raping and killing a woman in 1996. Loyola University New Orleans law professor Dane Ciolino says Hoffman gave compelling testimony that was likely the deciding factor in Judge Dick’s ruling.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the Eighth Amendment.”

With Hoffman’s execution now on hold, Ciolino says it may now be months before his death sentence will be carried out.

Small businesses are less optimistic now than they were a month ago. Leah Long is the Louisiana state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 7 (08) “…doing business here.”

Long says the biggest factor is a 20-percent tax deduction that’s set to expire..

As of May 28th, bags will no longer fly free on Southwest Airlines. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry has ordered flags to half staff today in memory of Alice Foster. The former Louisiana first lady passed away last Thursday at the age of 84. In a statement, Landry said Foster led a life of public service, with strong values of loyalty and family. The wife of two-term governor Mike Foster is being laid to rest today.