Louisiana
Activists protest first execution in Louisiana in 15 years; argue it will set precedent
BATON ROUGE — Hours before the execution of convicted murderer and rapist Jessie Hoffman was put on hold pending a hearing, a group of activists gathered outside the State Capitol to protest his death sentence.
The activists hoped to change Gov. Jeff Landry’s mind and argued that killing Hoffman, regardless of his crimes, would be inhumane and a violation of the Eighth Amendment.
The activists collected signatures for a petition attempting to convince Landry to stop the execution. They brought the signatures to officials in the Capitol.
Activists from Death Penalty Action stood on the steps of the State Capitol in front of a sign advocating to “DOGE the death penalty,” referencing the ongoing initiative spearheaded by Elon Musk with the expressed goal of reducing government spending.
The sign says that capital punishment, including the nitrogen gas-induced asphyxia that Hoffman faces as the first execution victim in the state in 15 years, is one of the most inefficient government programs.
“Jesse Hoffman may be guilty of the murder that he is scheduled to be executed for, but sooner or later, we’re going to get it wrong,” Executive Director of Death Penalty Action Abraham Bonowitz said. “And it’s not just about ‘Did the person do the crime?’ But are they fully culpable?”
The activists also rang a bell in protest of the execution, evoking the phrase “For whom the bell tolls,” which evokes the tolling of church bells, which signified death taking a toll on the entire community, regardless of culpability.
Hoffman’s execution was scheduled for Tuesday but was halted Monday, saying the Buddhist inmate needed time to press his claim that his death by asphyxia could be torturous and impact his later rebirth.
A private organization entrusted with money intended to protect Louisiana from the cost of abandoned oil and gas wells used funds to make below-market loans benefiting a senior state regulator, his re…
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NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A driver died from a gunshot wound after a Louisiana State Police car chase in New Orleans Saturday evening (June 20), but troopers say they did not fire the gun.
Troop NOLA confirmed the car chase ended near Franklin Avenue and North Miro Street Saturday. Troopers said they found the driver shot and brought them to the hospital, where that person died.
The driver’s identity has not been released.
A Troop NOLA spokesperson said he could not confirm if anyone else was in the car, if anyone has been arrested, or if troopers found a gun.
A spokesperson said more details will be released as a state police force investigation continues.
Troop NOLA is a special investigation unit tasked with proactive policing, traffic enforcement and crime reduction.
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Copyright 2026 WVUE. All rights reserved.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Shelby Bordelon of Iberville Parish was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 Saturday night in Monroe, earning the title and a $15,000 scholarship. Bordelon, a graduate student at Southeastern Louisiana University, said the role is about more than pageantry, emphasizing the yearlong service mission tied to the crown.
“Part of the mission of this organization is the service behind it,” Bordelon said. “And the service is so important, you are serving your state for a year… having the opportunities to connect with others… to continue making an impact and leaving my mark on others as well.”
Bordelon, who finished first runner-up in last year’s competition, said the moment her name was called as the winner still hasn’t fully sunk in.
“It was every emotion you could think of that was running through my mind at that moment,” she said, adding she focused on preparation and perspective this year. “I really wanted to go into this year with no regrets… just really trusting in that mindset and that plan.”
Bordelon said she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness for her nonprofit, Claire’s Promise, which focuses on combating drunk driving.
You can learn more about the nonprofit here. She will now represent Louisiana at the Miss America Pageant, which begins in late August in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.
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