Louisiana has executed its first death row inmate in 15 years. Jesse Hoffman, who kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed Molly Elliott in 1996 was executed yesterday evening by nitrogen hypoxia after the state and U.S. supreme courts declined to intervene. After the execution, Attorney General Liz Murrill says final justice for Elliott’s family and loved ones was long overdue.

Cut 4 (15) “…State of Louisiana.”

Forty-eight-year-old Danette Colbert now faces second-degree murder charges in the death of a Kansas City sports reporter found dead in a Kenner hotel room while covering the Super Bowl. Authorities say Adan Manzano had a lethal combination of Xanax and alcohol in his system and it’s believed Colbert drugged him. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says they believe Colbert did this to other men…

Cut 10 (10) “…Randy Smith”

A Washington Parish mother faces a first-degree murder charge after her 8-month-old infant died from severe injuries, including broken bones. The investigation began last Wednesday when the toddler was brought to the hospital and later died. Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown says investigators questioned the boyfriend and the mother.

Cut 6 (08) “…towards the child”

Twenty-four-years-old Autumn Harper is being held at the Washington Parish Jail.

Tomorrow the McNeese’s men’s basketball team faces Clemson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cowboys are in the Big Dance for a second straight year, a first in program history. Athletics Director Heath Schroyer says he took a gamble in hiring Will Wade in 2023, who was fired by LSU in 2022 because of recruiting violations. He says needless to say that gamble has paid off.

Cut 14 (08) “…great fit here.”

For the first time in 15 years, Louisiana has executed a death row inmate. Jesse Hoffman, who kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed Molly Elliott in 1996 was executed yesterday evening by nitrogen hypoxia after the state and U.S. supreme courts declined to intervene. Corrections Secretary Gary Westcott said the execution went flawlessly.

Cut 6 (07) “…approximately 19 minutes.”

A state audit has found that prenatal care for Medicaid recipients in Louisiana is going in the wrong direction. It found that among other things, several OBGYNs who accepted Medicaid patients didn’t provide them services. Chris Magee, the data analytics manager at the Legislative Auditor’s Office, says the state will look to make it easier for OBGYNs to provide services to Medicaid recipients.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the Medicaid program.”

Three years ago, Will Wade was fired as head coach at LSU over recruiting violations. Now he’s one of the hottest coaching candidates after leading McNeese basketball to the NCAA Tournament two years in a row. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Elsewhere in sports, the second-ranked LSU baseball team had no trouble at all last night beating UNO. The Tigers scored six runs in the first three innings to run rule the Privateers 11 to one. Jared Jones homered and had four hits on the night. Ethan Frey hit two home runs. Jaden Noot gave up one run over four innings and struck out five for the win.

Louisiana has executed its first death row inmate in 15 years. Jesse Hoffman was executed yesterday evening by nitrogen hypoxia after the state and U.S. supreme courts declined to intervene. Outside the state penitentiary in Angola yesterday, a group of death penalty opponents held vigil. Hoffman was sentenced to death for the kidnapping, rape and murder of Molly Elliott in 1996.  Elliott’s sister-in-law spoke out against executing Hoffman, but Attorney General Liz Murrill said other relatives did not feel the same way.

Cut 5 (07) “…to have finality.”

Corrections Chief of Operations Seth Smith, who was a longtime nurse, says he did not see Hoffman suffer in pain during the execution.

Cut 7 (12) “…inconsistent with death.”

There are now 55 inmates on death row in Louisiana, and Attorney General Murrill says executions using nitrogen hypoxia will continue.
———————————
Today’s a big day for McNeese basketball at they face Clemson in the first round of the Men’s NCAA Tournament. The Cowboys are in the Big Dance for a second straight year, a first in program history. Athletics Director Heath Schroyer says the gamble he took on former LSU coach Will Wade is obviously paying off earning McNeese some very valuable national exposure.

Cut 15 (10) “…uptick in enrollment.”

A state audit finds that prenatal care for Medicaid recipients in Louisiana is going in the wrong direction as a quarter of pregnant women in Louisiana did not receive care in their first trimester of pregnancy. Chris Magee, the data analytics manager at the Legislative Auditor’s Office, says what’s frustrating is that this report comes as the state is spenis that it comes amid the state spending 400-million dollars on maternal health reforms.

Cut 12 (09) “…they’re intended for.”

Louisiana has carried out its first execution in 15 years. Andrew Greenstein was at the state penitentiary in Angola, and has the story.

Cut 1 (54) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

——————————————

Forty-eight-year-old Danette Colbert is now facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, the 27-year-old sports reporter from Kansas City found dead during Super Bowl Week in Kenne.   The coroner’s report found Manzano had a lethal combination of Xanax and alcohol in his system. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says an accomplice, Rickey White of Gretna, was also arrested in Florida for allegedly using Manzano’s debit card…

Cut 8 (12) “…Kenner Police Department.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team is set to face Clemson today in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  It’s the second year and a row and not coincidentally, the second year on Coach Will Wade’s contract . Athletics Director Heath Schroyer says Wade committed to two years and though he’s already being considered for higher profile jobs, he’s hoping Wade will stay.

Cut 16 (08) “…in southwest Louisiana.”

Louisiana has executed its first death row inmate in 15 years. Jesse Hoffman, who kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed Molly Elliott in 1996 was executed yesterday evening by nitrogen hypoxia after the state and U.S. supreme courts declined to intervene. After the execution, Attorney General Liz Murrill said justice for Elliott’s family and loved ones was long overdue.

Cut 4 (15) “…State of Louisiana.”

Forty-eight-year-old Danette Colbert now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, the 27-year-old sports reporter from Kansas City found dead in a Kenner hotel room during Super Bowl Week. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says Colbert’s case is ready to be prosecuted by Jefferson Parish D-A Paul Connick’s office, but admits the case is circumstantial.

Cut 9 (06) “…the courtroom.”

—————————

A state audit has found that prenatal care for Medicaid recipients in Louisiana is going in the wrong direction. Chris Magee, the data analytics manager at the Legislative Auditor’s Office, says the audit has found that more than one-fourth of pregnant women in Louisiana did not receive care in their first trimester of pregnancy, with Medicaid recipients being disproportionately affected.

Cut 11 (14) “…to Medicaid beneficiaries.”

McNeese’s men’s basketball team faces Clemson today in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cowboys are in the Big Dance for a second straight year, a first in program history. Athletics Director Heath Schroyer says he took a gamble in hiring Will Wade in 2023, who was fired by LSU in 2022 because of recruiting violations. But…

Cut 14 (08) “…great fit here.”

Louisiana has carried out its first execution in 15 years. Andrew Greenstein was at the state penitentiary in Angola, where it was carried out.

Cut 1 (54) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Forty-eight-year-old Danette Colbert now faces a murder charge in connection with the death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano, who was found dead in a Kenner hotel during Super Bowl week.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

Three years ago Will Wade was fired as head coach at LSU over recruiting violations, now he’s one of the hottest coaching candidates after leading McNeese basketball to the NCAA Tournament two years in a row. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________________

Louisiana has executed its first death row inmate in 15 years. Jesse Hoffman, who kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed Molly Elliott in 1996 was executed yesterday evening by nitrogen hypoxia after the state and U.S. supreme courts declined to intervene. After the execution, Attorney General Liz Murrill says final justice for Elliott’s family and loved ones was long overdue.

Cut 4 (15) “…State of Louisiana.”

The execution was not without controversy, as several groups spoke out against the state’s use of nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution. Outside the state penitentiary in Angola, a group of death penalty opponents held vigil. While Elliott’s sister-in-law spoke out against executing Hoffman, Murrill said other relatives did not feel the same way.

Cut 5 (07) “…to have finality.”

Corrections Secretary Gary Westcott said the execution went flawlessly.

Cut 6 (07) “…approximately 19 minutes.”

Hoffman’s EKG flatlined after 14 minutes, and protocol dictated that the nitrogen gas continue to flow for five additional minutes. Corrections Chief of Operations Seth Smith, who was a longtime nurse, says he did not see Hoffman suffer in pain during the execution.

Cut 7 (12) “…inconsistent with death.”

Murrill noted that there are now 55 inmates on death row in Louisiana, and executions using nitrogen hypoxia will continue.

______________________________________________________

Forty-eight-year-old Danette Colbert now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, the 27-year-old sports reporter from Kansas City found dead in a Kenner hotel room during Super Bowl Week. The coroner’s report found Manzano had a lethal combination of Xanax and alcohol in his system. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says an accomplice, Rickey White of Gretna, was also arrested in Florida for allegedly using Manzano’s debit card…

Cut 8 (12) “…Kenner Police Department.”

Colbert was originally charged with robbery and fraud in connection with Manzano’s death. Conley says the murder charge comes after investigators collected a sufficient amount of evidence for a judge to agree with the murder warrant. Conley says Colbert’s case is ready for prosecution by Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick’s office and admits the case against her is  circumstantial.

Cut 9 (06) “…the courtroom.”

Colbert was originally arrested on February sixth after investigators determined she was the last person to see Manzano alive and she was also allegedly in possession of his cell phone and credit cards. Colbert is known to police as a person who targets men in the French Quarter and steals their money and credit cards by drugging them. He says many different agencies were part of this investigation…

Cut 10 (10) “…Randy Smith.”

______________________________________________________

A state audit has found that prenatal care for Medicaid recipients in Louisiana is going in the wrong direction. Chris Magee, the data analytics manager at the Legislative Auditor’s Office, says the audit has found that more than one-fourth of pregnant women in Louisiana did not receive care in their first trimester of pregnancy, with Medicaid recipients being disproportionately affected.

Cut 11 (14) “…to Medicaid beneficiaries.”

Magee says what’s frustrating about this report is that it comes amid the state spending 400-million dollars on maternal health reforms.

Cut 12 (09) “…they’re intended for.”

Magee says the state will look to make it easier for OBGYNs to provide services to Medicaid recipients.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the Medicaid program.”

______________________________________________________

Tomorrow the McNeese’s men’s basketball team faces Clemson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cowboys are in the Big Dance for a second straight year, a first in program history. Athletics Director Heath Schroyer says he took a gamble in hiring Will Wade in 2023, who was fired by LSU in 2022 because of recruiting violations. He says needless today, that gamble has paid off.

Cut 14 (08) “…great fit here.”

Schroyer says Wade’s leadership has earned McNeese some very valuable national exposure.

Cut 15 (10) “…uptick in enrollment.”

When Wade took the McNeese job two years ago, he said he would commit to two years. With this being the second of those two years, his name has already been connected to several high-profile openings, including North Carolina State. Schroyer says he hopes Wade will choose to stay.

Cut 16 (08) “…in southwest Louisiana.”

McNeese is the 12 seed in the Midwest Regional, while Clemson is the fifth seed. Tipoff from Providence, Rhode Island, tomorrow afternoon is at 2:15.

______________________________________________________

New U-L Lafayette men’s basketball coach Quannas White is predicting big things as he takes over a program that just concluded a 12-and-21 season. White, who is still with Houston as they make a run for a national title, says he plans to bring in high character players into the program…

Cut 17 (15)  “…culture.”

White says he’s hoping the fan base will get behind his program…

Cut 18 (15)  “…Final Four bound.”

______________________________________________________

One of LSU’s new defensive ends, Jack Plyburn, a transfer from Florida, believes he’s the best run stopping defensive end in the country. Plyburn says his goal at LSU is to become an elite pass rusher…

Cut 19 (19) “…those things”

New tight end Bauer Sharp from Oklahoma, believes he’s the most versatile tight end in college football…

Cut 20 (11) “…this season.”

The time of Louisiana’s first execution of a prisoner in 15 years is at hand for Jesse Hoffman who scheduled to die by nitrogen hypoxia between six and nine PM at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Hoffman was 18 years old when he kidnapped, raped and murdered of Molly Elliot in 1996. On Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster Governor, Jeff Landry said he will not stop the execution…

Cut 3 (12) “…quite some time.”

Danette Colbert faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of Adan Manzano, the 27-year-old reporter in town covering the Super Bowl who was found dead in a Kenner hotel room with a combination of Xanax and alcohol in his system and Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says she had an an accomplice, Ricky White was also arrested in Hollywood, Fla last Friday.

Cut 8 (12) “…Kenner Police Department.”

Morgan City Police arrest a 71-year-old woman on animal cruelty charges after finding several dead cats inside her home. Captain John Schaff says officers came across the scene while conducting a welfare check on Sheri Hite. Schaff says officers saw a dead cat through a window and smelled a strong odor. Upon entering, they discovered many more dead cats

Cut 7 (11) “…in the freezer.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is still seeing a lot of cases whooping cough cases. State epidemiologist Doctor Theresa Sokol says whooping cough is very serious and can be potentially deadly…

Cut 10 (07) “…these coughing fits”

There are vaccines available to prevent whooping cough.

Jessie Hoffman is scheduled to be the first death row inmate executed in Louisiana in 15 years. He was 18 years old when he kidnapped, raped, and murdered Molly Elliot. Before his crime, Hoffman fathered a son, Jessie Smith who says he didn’t get the opportunity to grow up with his father.

Cut 8 (04) “…start over again.”

Governor Jeff Landry says he will not stand in the way of Hoffman’s scheduled execution.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Hoffman will be the first prisoner in Louisiana to die by nitrogen hypoxia.

A new statewide poll conducted by JMC Analytics and paid for by Unite America has found Louisiana voters overwhelmingly approve of an open primary voting system and only 34-percent are aware that next year’s Congressional elections will be a closed party primary. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says that means the primary will take place in the spring, instead of the fall…

Cut 5 (08) “….last 50 years”

Councilman Oliver Thomas has thrown his hat in the New Orleans Mayoral race.  University of New Orleans Political Scientist Dr. Edward Chervenek says Thomas is the third announced candidate. New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno and Former Orleans Parish Judge Arthur Hunter are the other two. Chervenak says Thomas is well liked as he’s serving for a third time on the city council…

Cut 12 (08) “…might be.”

Thomas 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.