U-S District Judge Shelly Dick has halted the March 18^th execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman. Hoffman was set to be the state’s first nitrogen gas execution. But Dick says the courts need more time to answer the question whether the nitrogen hypoxia method is cruel and unusual punishment and violates the Eighth Amendment of the U-S Constitution. The state is appealing. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says if Hoffman is executed, it will not happen for a while…

Cut 14 (10) “…. hypoxia at all”

In her ruling, Judge Dick said a firing squad would be a quicker and more humane method. Hoffman is on death row for the 1996 kidnapping, rape and murder of Molly Elliot who was walking to her car in New Orleans when Hoffman attacked her. Hoffman left Elliott’s body in the Middle Pearl River in St. Tammany Parish.

Many people fly Southwest Airlines because you can check two bags for free but that policy is changing on May 28^th…..

Cut 1 (33) “….I”m Sean Richardson”

A national survey finds small businesses are less optimistic than they were a month ago. Leah Long is the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business…

Cut 7 (08) “….doing business here”

Inflation and labor quality remain the two biggest problems for small businesses.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A U.S. District Court ruling delays the execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Bags will no longer fly free on Southwest Airlines. Starting May 28th, the airline will start charging money for the first and second checked bags. A-List loyalty members, branded credit card holders, and business fare travelers are exempt.  UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says inflation causes businesses to make these tough decisions.

Cut 4 (08) “…never went before.”

Southwest Airlines previously resisted baggage fees, citing their appeal to customers, but shifting consumer behavior and new leadership influenced the decision. While Southwest has trademarked its “Bags fly free” slogan, Rosa says even though competitors are trying to capitalize on Southwest’s new policy, he doesn’t believe it will affect Southwest much.

Cut 5 (07) “…while we’re waiting”

Because of inflation, Rosa says this is the new normal for pricing, and if you’re looking for lower prices it comes with a high cost…

Cut 6 (10) “…that resets prices.”

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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 in the drop in optimism among small business owners is the uncertainty of a 20-percent small business tax deduction that’s set to expire.

Cut 8 (07) “…massive tax hike.”

Long says the potential 20-percent tax hike isn’t the only issue that’s driving up the uncertainty and, in effect, driving down the optimism.

Cut 9 (09)  “…on insurance rates.”

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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”

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.”

Kirkpatrick says NOPD officers were on the lookout for people illegally carrying firearms.

Cut 12 (08) “…the parade route.”

18 firearms were confiscated during Carnival season.

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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.”

Ciolino says if Hoffman is executed, which he is not challenging, it likely now won’t happen for quite some time.

Cut 14 (10) “…hypoxia at all.”

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. Ciolino says with the execution now off, the appeals process is no longer up against the calendar.

Cut 15 (10) “…even perhaps months.”

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The Saints have officially announced the three-year contract extension for defensive end Chase Young. Young signed with New Orleans last offseason and appeared in all 17 games,  and recorded five and a half sacks and had a career-high 21 quarterback hits. Young’s first four seasons were in Washington and Luke Johnson with the Advocate believes it was a wise decision to bring Young back on a long-term deal…

Cut 16 (17) “…potential there.”

A new league year officially starts later today, and the Saints are expected to announce a trade with New England that results in the Patriots sending New Orleans defensive tackle Davon Godchaux in exchange for a seventh round draft pick in 2026. Johnson says the Saints needed a nose tackle to play in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s three-four scheme…

Cut 17 (17)  “…is a win.”

The Saints have restructured the contract of veteran safety and fan favorite Tyrann Mathieu. New Orleans has also signed former Dutchtown High School star and two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Reid to a three-year, 31.5-million-dollar contract. Johnson says the Saints also need another cornerback, with Paulson Adebo leaving for New York on a free agent contract…

Cut 18 (11)  “…this offseason.”

A week before he was scheduled to die by nitrogen hypoxia, a federal judge in Baton Rouge has granted Death Row Inmate, Jessie Hoffman’s request for an injunction, blocking his March 18^th execution. U.S. District Court, Judge Shelly Dick said there should be a trial to hear Hoffman’s claims that death-by-asphyxiation is a cruel or unusual punishment prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. The ruling came Tuesday afternoon after a daylong hearing. Attorney General Liz Murrill said, “We disagree with the district court’s decision and will immediately appeal to the Fifth Circuit.”

Three suspects have now been arrested in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. 23-year-old Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean (ELL-jeen) McKneely says

Caleb Wilson died after being punched in the chest during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McKneely says it’s possible that more arrests could be forthcoming.

Cut 11 (09) “…have been arrested.”

The city council president in New Orleans is blasting Mayor Latoya Cantrell for attending a mayor’s conference in Washington D.C., despite a city-wide travel ban for all nonessential travel.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

There could be another black bear hunting season this winter, and this one would be even bigger than last year’s. The department is looking to expand the areas to include much of South Louisiana.  John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the number of tags would go up from 11 to 26 – but your odds of scoring one would be quite long.

Cut 7 (11) “…for those permits.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st. The department will accept written public comment through May 1st.

New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell criticized Mayor LaToya Cantrell for violating a travel ban by attending the Yale Mayor’s College Conference in Washington, D.C.

Cut 3 (14) “…claim we have”

The city defends the trip as beneficial for leadership development and dismisses criticism as divisive.

Three suspects are now under arrest in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean (ELL-jeen) McKneely says police had expected Thurman to turn himself in.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this past Friday.”

Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning and Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday.

If a bear hunting season for 2025 gets the green light, it will be bigger than last year’s. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Saints Coach Kellen Moore says he’s excited to work with quarterback Derek Carr as the 33-year-old signal caller is staying in New Orleans. Moore says he had a good conversation with Carr before he agreed to a restructured contract….

Cut 12 (10) “…create for him”

Three suspects have now been arrested in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. 23-year-old Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean (ELL-jeen) McKneely says

Caleb Wilson died after being punched in the chest during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McKneely says it’s possible that more arrests could be forthcoming.

Cut 11 (09) “…have been arrested.”

New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell criticized Mayor LaToya Cantrell for violating a travel ban by attending the Yale Mayor’s College Conference in Washington, D.C. The ban, prohibits non-essential travel and related expenses.

Cut 5 (14) “…law went into effect.”

There could be another black bear hunting season this winter, and this one would be even bigger than last year’s. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the department is looking to open two additional bear areas along with Bear Area 4 in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…Terrebonne, Iberia.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st.

Saints Coach Kellen Moore says he’s excited to work with quarterback Derek Carr. The 33-year-old signal caller’s contract was restructured over the weekend, converting part of the contract to a signing bonus. The move saves the Saints 30-million dollars in salary cap space, and it means Carr will get his full 40-million dollars in salary for 2025.

Cut 14 (07) “…good situation.”

Three suspects have now been arrested in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean (ELL-jeen) McKneely says police had expected Thurman to turn himself in as well.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this past Friday.”

23-year-old Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday

Louisiana’s growing black bear population is making another bear hunting season possible, says John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and this one would be even bigger than last year with more lottery tags available.

Cut 8 (11) “…are excess animals.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st. The department will accept written public comment through May 1st.

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell heads to Washington D.C. to attend a mayoral conference after the City Council issues a travel ban for all nonessential travel.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

At his introductory press conference, New Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore said he had been looking forward to going through a process to determine if Quarterback Derek Carr should return for a third season. He says it didn’t take long to determine that Carr should be the quarterback to lead the team in 2025…

Cut 13 (10)  “…special ways.”

Carr’s contract was restructured over the weekend, converting part of the contract to a signing bonus. The Saints also restructured the contracts of guard Cesar Ruiz, defensive end Carl Granderson and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, giving the team 13-million dollars in salary cap space.

The city council president in New Orleans is blasting Mayor Latoya Cantrell for attending a mayor’s conference in Washington D.C., despite a city-wide travel ban for all nonessential travel.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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If a bear hunting season for 2025 gets the green light, it will be bigger than last year’s. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell criticized Mayor LaToya Cantrell for violating a travel ban by attending the Yale Mayor’s College Conference in Washington, D.C.

Cut 3 (14) “…claim we have”

The ban, which will be in effect until at least the end of April, prohibits non-essential travel and related expenses. Morrell’s letter argues that pre-approved travel is not exempt, as the ordinance even includes provisions for reimbursing canceled trips. He demands a full accounting of any expenses incurred.

Cut 4 (11) “…people from Yale.”

The city claims the conference was scheduled before the ban and asserts no costs will be incurred. The controversy arises amid financial concerns and scrutiny of the mayor’s travel. Morrell’s letter condemns the mayor’s actions, arguing she should prioritize financial discipline.

Cut 5 (14) “…law went into effect.”

In response, the city defends the trip as beneficial for leadership development and dismisses criticism as divisive.

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There could be another black bear hunting season this winter, and this one would be even bigger than last year’s. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the department is looking to open up two additional bear areas along with Bear Area 4 in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…Terrebonne, Iberia.”

Hanks says the number of tags would go up. Last year, there were ten tags available in Area 4. That would go up to 14 in Area 4, along with eight in Area 1 and three in Area 2. And just like last year, there would be a lottery for those tags, and the odds will be quite long.

Cut 7 (11) “…for those permits.”

Hanks says the growing bear population is making it possible to have a bear hunting season.

Cut 8 (11) “…are excess animals.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st. The department will accept written public comment through May 1st.

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Three suspects are now under arrest in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean (ELL-jeen) McKneely says police had expected Thurman to turn himself in as well.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this past Friday.”

Lieutenant McKneely says, however, that never materialized.

Cut 10 (09) “…to apprehend him”

23-year-old Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday. Investigators say Wilson died after being punched in the stomach during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McKneely says it’s possible that more arrests could be forthcoming.

Cut 11 (09) “…have been arrested.”

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Saints Coach Kellen Moore says he’s excited to work with quarterback Derek Carr as the 33-year-old signal caller is staying in New Orleans. Moore says he had a good conversation with Carr before he agreed to a restructured contract….

Cut 12 (12) “…going to provide”

At his introductory press conference, Moore said he was looking forward to going through a process to determine if Carr should return for a third season. Moore says it didn’t take long to determine that Carr should be the quarterback to lead the team in 2025…

Cut 13 (10)  “…special ways.”

Carr’s contract was restructured over the weekend, converting part of the contract to a signing bonus. The move saves the Saints 30-million dollars in salary cap space, and it means Carr will get his full 40-million dollars in salary for 2025. Moore is glad Carr will be with the Black and Gold in 2025…

Cut 14 (07) “…good situation.”

The Saints have also restructured the contracts of guard Cesar Ruiz, defensive end Carl Granderson and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, giving the team 13-million dollars in salary cap space.

New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell criticized Mayor LaToya Cantrell for violating a travel ban by attending the Yale Mayor’s College Conference in Washington, D.C.

Cut 3 (14) “…claim we have”

Saints Coach Kellen Moore says he’s excited to work with quarterback Derek Carr as the 33-year-old signal caller is staying in New Orleans. Moore says he had a good conversation with Carr before he agreed to a restructured contract….

Cut 12 (12) “…going to provide”

If a bear hunting season for 2025 gets the green light, it will be bigger than last year’s. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board held the 8th Annual Pardoning of the Crawfish at Parc des Ponts Breaux in Breaux Bridge. Sherbin the Crawfish, named after Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette, was pardoned and released into Lake Fausse Point State Park to celebrate Louisiana’s seafood culture.