Jessie Hoffman is set to die this evening for the 1996 kidnapping, raping and murder of Molly Elliot. It will be the state’s first nitrogen gas execution. Hoffman is a practicing Buddhist and his lawyers say killing him with nitrogen gas would interfere with Buddhist breathing exercises. Hoffman says he would prefer a different form of execution, even firing squad. On Talk Louisiana this morning, Governor Jeff Landry says nitrogen gas is a more humane method of execution…

Cut 4 (07) “…that he chose.”

Jessie Hoffman’s lawyers are continuing the fight up until the very end. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Councilman Oliver Thomas is the third candidate to enter the race to become New Orleans next Mayor.  University of New Orleans Political Scientist Dr. Edward Chervenek says Thomas is well liked but he pleaded guilty in 2007 to accepting a bribe from a businessman while he was a city council member and served two years in a federal prison.  Chervenek says Thomas has expressed remorse and taken responsibility for his actions.

Cut 13 (10)  “…be as forgiving.”

Louisiana is seeing a number of whooping cough cases. Two infants have died in the last six months. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says whooping cough is very serious that can affect anyone, but young kids, including infants, have the highest risk for severe symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…during each pregnancy.”

Sokol says 30-percent of infants who become infected with whooping are hospitalized, and one in 100 likely to die of the disease.