A new study by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the benefits of having a fortified roof are proven, and there are many of them.

Cut 10 (06) “…to stay dry”

Temple says in Alabama, homes with fortified roofs have seen their values increase by an average of seven-percent.

The U-S Department of Education is laying off half of its staff. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says she wants to reduce the bloat at the department, which she believes will result in more federal dollars for local education. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he’s a strong supporter of allowing Louisiana residents to decide what should be taught in public schools…

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

There’s already an effort to get Amendment 2 removed from the constitutional amendment ballot. Now, there’s a lawsuit aimed at getting amendments 1 and 3 pulled. The lead plaintiff, Darlene Jones, says Amendment 1’s language contains two different issues, one of which – allowing the state Supreme Court to discipline out of state lawyers – is already state law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that particular amendment.”

The lawsuit says Amendment 3’s language is misleading, saying it leads voters to believe that juveniles who commit serious crimes are not already being transferred to the adult system, when in fact they are in certain instances.

On the heels of a lawsuit to get Amendment 2 removed from the ballot now comes a new effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Bruce Reilly, the deputy director of Voice of the Experienced, says the ballot language for the two amendments is deceptive. Reilly says the state got Amendment 1 on the ballot in an unconstitutional manner.

Cut 3 (10) “…a different committee.” 

A lawsuit challenging Amendment 2’s place on the ballot was previously filed by a different group. Early voting starts Saturday.

The U-S Department of Education is laying off more than 13-hundred workers, which is half of its staff. The massive reduction in workers comes as President Trump has discussed dismantling the federal agency. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports the idea of eliminating the department of education and allow the states decide its educational needs…

Cut 6 (07) “…excellence.”

A new study by state auditors shows that the benefits of putting on a fortified roof greatly outweigh the costs of one. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that amounts to an average discount of 12-hundred-50 dollars a year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and more affordable.”

LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach. The former All-American defensive tackle won a national title at LSU in 2003 and spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, earning All-Pro honors six times. Head coach Brian Kelly says Williams brings an impressive resume to their staff…

Cut 12 (11) “…at LSU.”

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.”

With Hoffman’s execution now on hold, Ciolino says it may now be months before his death sentence will be carried out.

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 is a 20-percent tax deduction that’s set to expire..

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry has ordered flags to half staff today in memory of Alice Foster. The former Louisiana first lady passed away last Thursday at the age of 84. In a statement, Landry said Foster led a life of public service, with strong values of loyalty and family. The wife of two-term governor Mike Foster is being laid to rest today.

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.

A ruling from a federal judge in Baton Rouge has delayed the execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A 39-year-old West Baton Rouge Parish woman has entered a not guilty plea to a felony charge for allegedly obtaining abortion inducing drugs from a doctor in New York and then providing them to her pregnant teenage daughter. The doctor, Margaret Carpenter, also faces charges, but New York’s laws prevent Louisiana from going into their state to arrest her for this type of activity.

The New Orleans Police Department says crime during the Mardi Gras carnival season was way down this year. NOPD Superintendent Anne 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.”

18 firearms were confiscated during Carnival season.

For years, Southwest Airlines has allowed all passengers to check up to two bags free, but that’s changing as of May 28^th. The Dallas-based airline will start charging for bags after that date, unless you are in the upper tier of their Rapid Rewards loyalty program, have a business class ticket or use the airline’s credit card. UNO business professor Mark Rosa still expects Southwest Airlines to be a popular choice for travelers…

Cut 5 (05) “…the ticket”

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”

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.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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”