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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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., convicted of the 1996 murder of Mary Elliott, was executed in Louisiana using nitrogen hypoxia, marking the state's first execution in 15 years. Hoffman's attorneys argued the method violated his religious rights and constituted cruel and unusual punishment, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene.
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Hyundai plans a record $21 billion investment in the US, including a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana. This move aims to bolster US production and mitigate potential tariffs from the Trump administration. The investment will create thousands of jobs and enhance Hyundai's manufacturing capabilities in the US.
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Former President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential run for a third term in 2028, despite the 22nd Amendment barring such an attempt. Recent polls show he would face tough competition from Barack Obama if the amendment were changed. Meanwhile, North Dakota's legislature is proposing changes to term limits, while Louisiana voters recently rejected constitutional amendments.
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Several U.S. states, including Florida, Wyoming, and Tennessee, are enacting laws to invalidate driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants from other states. This trend contrasts sharply with policies in many other states that allow such licenses. The Justice Department is also challenging some of these state laws.
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The FBI is investigating a January 1, 2025, truck-ramming attack in New Orleans that killed 15 people. An Iraqi national linked to the Islamic State has been arrested for inciting the attack. The assailant, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was killed by police after he drove into a crowd and opened fire.
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The U.S. Coast Guard has recovered over 79,000 gallons of an 'oily water mixture' near Garden Island Bay, Louisiana. The leak's cause is under investigation, and cleanup efforts are ongoing, with federal and state officials emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the local ecosystem.