In business: The first freestanding Everything Philly Ice Express opened earlier this month at 8235 Scenic Highway, near Southern University. The express location, which was originally supposed to open February, serves Philly Water Ice, a popular soft-serve sorbet served at Everything Philly, a Philadelphia-style eatery located near the north gates of LSU. Owner Ameen Walker announced plans last year to open Philly Ice Express locations across the metro area after demand for the dessert soared. Everything Philly Ice Express serves all of the Philly Water Ice flavors served at the original Everything Philly plus exclusive flavors. Philly Water Ice is modeled after a well-known Philadelphia dessert that was popularized by Italian immigrants to that city.
Moving along: A state Senate panel today approved a bill to abolish Louisiana’s death penalty, The USA Today Network of Louisiana reports. The bill by Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge, will now be debated on the Senate floor where it faces stiffer opposition. Sen. Bodi White, R-Baton Rouge, was the only panel member to object to the bill, which Claitor says is “a pro-life bill.” Christian faith leaders and former Shreveport prosecutor Marty Stroud, the lead attorney in the wrongful conviction of now deceased Glenn Ford, testified in support of the bill. Ford was released from prison in 2014 after nearly 30 years on death row. He died from lung cancer the following summer. Read more.
Change of plans: Struggling apparel chain J. Crew Group Inc. will shake up its management ranks and cut 250 jobs in a bid to revive growth. Bloomberg reports Chief Operating Officer Michael Nicholson will begin overseeing the J. Crew brand, including marketing and design decisions, as part of the overhaul. Nicholson, a 50-year-old former Ann Inc. executive who joined the retailer last year, also has the job of chief financial officer, giving him a central role in the attempt to turn around the business. The company is coping with shrinking sales and a broader shift away from mall-based retail. Same-store sales—a key benchmark—fell 7% last year and 8% in 2015. J Crew has one Baton Rouge location at Perkins Rowe and an outlet location at Tanger Outlet in Gonzales. Read more.
