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.