9:30 LRN Newscast

A hearing in federal court in Baton Rouge today, aimed at delaying the execution of Jessie Hoffman. Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the Promise of Justice Initiative is trying to prove that using nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.

Cut 4 (13) “…the 8th Amendment.”

Two Republican state senators will be introducing a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would ban the use of fluoride in drinking water. Patrick McMath of Covington says with nearly every toothpaste on the market containing fluoride, there is no reason why it should be in drinking water.

Cut 7 (07) “…what this is.”

Health experts say the EPA standard for concentration levels in drinking water is well below the threshold that would lead to health issues.

An LSU grad from Lafayette who owns a vegan ice cream shop in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized as having the best vegan Ice cream shop in the country by Veg News. Kate Williams’ ice cream is made from coconut milk. She currently has two stores with plans to open more.

Cut 12 (11) “…supposed to taste like.”

Venture Global announces it will invest an additional 18-billion dollars to expand its liquefied natural gas facility south of New Orleans in Plaquemines Parish. Venture CEO Mike Sabel says the LNG export facility will increase annual shipments from 27-million tons to over 45-million.

Cut 14 (12) “…US balance of trade”