Jeff Landry has recently been in the news due to his active role in various legal and political controversies in Louisiana. His office has been involved in a federal appeals court case regarding the constitutionality of a law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, which has sparked debates about the separation of church and state. Additionally, Landry has been vocal about the state's approach to issues such as tax cuts and the management of homeless encampments in New Orleans, reflecting his influence in shaping state policy.
Born on December 23, 1970, Jeff Landry is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the Attorney General of Louisiana since January 11, 2016. He succeeded Buddy Caldwell after winning a runoff election in November 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Landry previously served as a U.S. Congressman for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district from 2011 to 2013. His legal background and political career have positioned him as a prominent figure in Louisiana's political landscape, particularly on issues related to law enforcement, public education, and social policies.
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Louisiana and South Carolina are preparing for executions after years of delays. Louisiana plans to execute Christopher Sepulvado and Jessie Hoffman in March using a new nitrogen gas protocol, while South Carolina's Brad Sigmon has chosen execution by firing squad. Legal challenges are anticipated in both states.
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Louisiana's Surgeon General Ralph Abraham has ordered the cessation of media campaigns promoting vaccinations, coinciding with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as U.S. health secretary. This decision comes amid a severe flu season and declining vaccination rates, raising concerns among public health advocates about potential increases in preventable illnesses.
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Christopher Sepulvado, an 81-year-old inmate sentenced to death for murdering his stepson, died from natural causes at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. His execution was scheduled for March 17, marking a significant moment as Louisiana resumes executions after a 15-year hiatus. Sepulvado's attorney criticized the state's handling of the death penalty.
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State governors are launching initiatives modeled after the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut costs amid budget strains. Florida's Ron DeSantis and Oklahoma's Kevin Stitt are leading efforts to reduce state jobs and streamline government operations, reflecting a broader trend across several states.
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Jessie Hoffman Jr. is scheduled for execution on March 18, 2025, using nitrogen hypoxia, marking Louisiana's first use of this method. Hoffman's attorneys argue it violates constitutional rights and causes severe psychological distress. The state defends the method as humane, citing its use in Alabama. This execution follows a 15-year hiatus in Louisiana's capital punishment.