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”