On the heels of a legal challenge to Amendment 2’s inclusion on the March 29^th ballot now comes an effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

During a speech at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Governor Jeff Landry says he’s preparing an executive order that will greatly curtail work from home options for state workers…

Cut 15 (09) “….everybody back”

The U-S Department of Education is laying off more than 13-hundred workers, which is half of its staff. The massive reduction in workers comes as President Trump has discussed dismantling the federal agency. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports the idea of eliminating the department of education and allow the states to decide their educational needs…

Cut 6 (07) “…excellence.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says she wants to reduce the bloat at the U-S Department of Education, which she believes will result in more federal dollars for local education.

Former LSU All-American Kyle Williams is now teaching defensive tackles at LSU as he’s the Tigers new defensive line coach. Williams started his new when spring practice began on Saturday and Coach Brian Kelly says the former NFL star knows how to coach the position…

Cut 13 (13) “…to me”

Williams has signed a three-year contract to be the defensive line coach at LSU.

There’s now an effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled from the constitutional amendment ballot. Bruce Reilly with Voice of the Experienced says the wording of Amendment 3 is misleading. He points out that the list of crimes in which juveniles can be tried in adult court would be stripped from the state constitution and would instead be decided by the legislature.  

Cut 5 (11) “…to the politicians”

The Department of Education is laying off half its staff, with President Trump seeking to dismantle the agency altogether. The department’s main role is allocating federal aid to schools and colleges and enforces laws to protect students from discrimination. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says there are other agencies in federal government that can handle those roles…

Cut 8 (08) “…dollars.”

A new report touts the benefits of fortified roofs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach, signing him to a three-year contract. The Tigers have had a new defensive line coach for six straight seasons. But Head Coach Brian Kelly is hopeful Williams is here to stay…

Cut 14 (09) “…that perspective.”

Williams is a former All-American defensive tackle who won a national title at LSU in 2003.

On the heels of a legal challenge to Amendment 2’s inclusion on the ballot now comes an effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new report touts the benefits of fortified roofs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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On the heels of a lawsuit to get Amendment 2 removed from the ballot now comes a new legal effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Bruce Reilly, the deputy director of Voice of the Experienced, says the ballot language for the two amendments is deceptive. Reilly says the state got Amendment 1 on the ballot in an unconstitutional manner.

Cut 3 (10) “…a different committee.”

The lead plaintiff, Darlene Jones, says Amendment 1’s language contains two different issues, one of which – allowing the state Supreme Court to discipline out of state lawyers – is already state law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that particular amendment.”

Amendment 3 deals with transferring juvenile suspects to adult court. He says the wording leads voters to believe that juveniles who commit serious crimes are not already being transferred to the adult system, when in fact they are in certain instances. He points out that the list of crimes in which juveniles can be tried in adult court would be stripped from the state constitution and would instead be decided by the legislature.

Cut 5 (11) “…to the politicians”

The lawsuit challenging Amendment 2’s place on the ballot was previously filed by a different group. A ruling will need to come down quickly – early voting starts Saturday.

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The U-S Department of Education is laying off more than 13-hundred workers, which is half of its staff. The massive reduction in workers comes as President Trump has discussed dismantling the federal agency. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports the idea of eliminating the department of education and allow the states decide its educational needs…

Cut 6 (07) “…excellence.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says she wants to reduce the bloat at the U-S Department of Education, which she believes will result in more federal dollars for local education. Brumley says he’s a strong supporter of allowing Louisiana residents decide what should be taught in public schools…

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

The U-S Department of Education was created in 1979. It’s restricted when it comes to deciding what’s taught in schools. The department’s main role is allocating federal aid to schools and colleges and enforces laws to protect students from discrimination. Brumley says there are other agencies in federal government that can handle those roles…

Cut 8 (08) “…dollars.”

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A new report by state auditors shows that the benefits of putting on a fortified roof greatly outweigh the costs of one. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that amounts to an average discount of 12-hundred-50 dollars a year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and more affordable.”

Temple says the benefits of having a fortified roof are proven, and there are many of them.

Cut 10 (06) “…to stay dry”

Temple says a fortified roof also boosts home values, as evidenced by one of our neighbors to the east.

Cut 11 (07) “…a fortified roof.”

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LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach. The former All-American defensive tackle won a national title at LSU in 2003 and spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, earning All-Pro honors six times. Head coach Brian Kelly says Williams brings an impressive resume to their staff…

Cut 12 (11) “…at LSU.”

For the last five seasons, Williams was the defensive coordinator at his alma mater at Ruston High School. He stepped away from that job last January and he returned to LSU just before the start of spring practice, which was Saturday. Kelly says he can already tell that Williams is an effective teacher…

Cut 13 (13)  “…to me”

Williams has signed a three-year contract to be the defensive line coach. The Tigers have had a new defensive line coach for six straight seasons. But Kelly his hopeful Williams is here to stay…

Cut 14 (09) “…that perspective.”

A new study by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the benefits of having a fortified roof are proven, and there are many of them.

Cut 10 (06) “…to stay dry”

Temple says in Alabama, homes with fortified roofs have seen their values increase by an average of seven-percent.

The U-S Department of Education is laying off half of its staff. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says she wants to reduce the bloat at the department, which she believes will result in more federal dollars for local education. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he’s a strong supporter of allowing Louisiana residents to decide what should be taught in public schools…

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

There’s already an effort to get Amendment 2 removed from the constitutional amendment ballot. Now, there’s a lawsuit aimed at getting amendments 1 and 3 pulled. The lead plaintiff, Darlene Jones, says Amendment 1’s language contains two different issues, one of which – allowing the state Supreme Court to discipline out of state lawyers – is already state law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that particular amendment.”

The lawsuit says Amendment 3’s language is misleading, saying it leads voters to believe that juveniles who commit serious crimes are not already being transferred to the adult system, when in fact they are in certain instances.

On the heels of a lawsuit to get Amendment 2 removed from the ballot now comes a new effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Bruce Reilly, the deputy director of Voice of the Experienced, says the ballot language for the two amendments is deceptive. Reilly says the state got Amendment 1 on the ballot in an unconstitutional manner.

Cut 3 (10) “…a different committee.” 

A lawsuit challenging Amendment 2’s place on the ballot was previously filed by a different group. Early voting starts Saturday.

The U-S Department of Education is laying off more than 13-hundred workers, which is half of its staff. The massive reduction in workers comes as President Trump has discussed dismantling the federal agency. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports the idea of eliminating the department of education and allow the states decide its educational needs…

Cut 6 (07) “…excellence.”

A new study by state auditors shows that the benefits of putting on a fortified roof greatly outweigh the costs of one. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that amounts to an average discount of 12-hundred-50 dollars a year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and more affordable.”

LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach. The former All-American defensive tackle won a national title at LSU in 2003 and spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, earning All-Pro honors six times. Head coach Brian Kelly says Williams brings an impressive resume to their staff…

Cut 12 (11) “…at LSU.”

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.

U-S District Judge Shelly Dick has put a halt to the scheduled execution of Jessie Hoffman, who was set to become the first death row inmate in Louisiana to be put to death with nitrogen gas. Dick halted the execution over concerns it’s cruel and unusual punishment. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says in a statement that the state disagrees with Judge Dick’s decision and will immediately appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s unclear when this execution will happen, if it does…

Cut 15 (10) “…perhaps months”

Judge Dick said in her ruling that a firing squad would be a quicker and a more humane method. Hoffman was sent to death row after he was convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing a woman in 1996. Hoffman testified he’s fine with being executed, but since he’s Buddhist he does not want to be put to death with nitrogen gas.

The National Federal of Independent Business says small business optimism has fallen as inflation remains a problem, along with labor quality. NFIB state director Leah Long says there’s also uncertainty over a 20-percent small business tax deduction that’s set to expire…

Cut 8 (07) “….massive tax hike”

Long says small businesses in Louisiana are also concerned about insurance rates.

New Orleans saw a huge decrease in crime this Carnival season. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick credits the cooperation between local, state and federal resources, in light of Mardi Gras being designated a SEAR-1 event by the Department of Homeland Security. Kirkpatrick says during the 12-days of Carnival, NOPD made 388 arrests – a huge drop from last year.

Cut 10 (06) “…in crime incidents”

The NOPD says it’s the fewest reported number of crimes since 2019.

A ruling from a federal judge in Baton Rouge has delayed the execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A 39-year-old West Baton Rouge Parish woman has entered a not guilty plea to a felony charge for allegedly obtaining abortion inducing drugs from a doctor in New York and then providing them to her pregnant teenage daughter. The doctor, Margaret Carpenter, also faces charges, but New York’s laws prevent Louisiana from going into their state to arrest her for this type of activity.

The New Orleans Police Department says crime during the Mardi Gras carnival season was way down this year. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says this year, there were 493 crimes reported, compared to 951 last year. She says both violent crime and property crime saw huge decreases this year.

Cut 11 (07) “…crimes against property.”

18 firearms were confiscated during Carnival season.

For years, Southwest Airlines has allowed all passengers to check up to two bags free, but that’s changing as of May 28^th. The Dallas-based airline will start charging for bags after that date, unless you are in the upper tier of their Rapid Rewards loyalty program, have a business class ticket or use the airline’s credit card. UNO business professor Mark Rosa still expects Southwest Airlines to be a popular choice for travelers…

Cut 5 (05) “…the ticket”

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.”

During a daylong hearing on Friday, Hoffman told Judge Dick that he is a Buddhist and breathing techniques are a big part of the religion. Hoffman says  with nitrogen hypoxia he would not be able to practice his religion at the time of his death. The state is appealing Judge Dick’s ruling.

Funeral services are today in Franklin for former First Lady Alice Foster. She was the wife of former two-term governor Mike Foster. Alice Foster died last Thursday at the age of 84.

Crime in New Orleans during Carnival season saw a huge drop this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A national survey of small businesses finds optimism is receding among small business owners. State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Leah Long, says there are concerns about what’s happening on the federal and state levels with pending legislation…

Cut 9 (09) “…on insurance rates”