The biggest music festival in Louisiana opens today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana’s first quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard shows the state has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The NFL draft is tonight, and former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell is expected to be one of the first names called. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The biggest musical festival in the state opens today. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival runs from Thursday through Sunday this week and next week. Producer and Director Quint Davis says it’s a never-ending celebration of Louisiana music.

Cut 4 (08) “…all the bands.”

Davis says while the festival celebrates Louisiana jazz music, the music is by no means limited to jazz.

Cut 5 (12) “…you can get.”

Other big-name artists taking the stage during the eight-day festival include the Dave Matthews Band, Santana and John Fogerty. Davis says, of course, no festival in New Orleans would ever be complete without some world-class Louisiana cuisine.

Cut 6 (13) “…a buttered bun.”

This year, Louisiana residents get a discount on their admission tickets. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course. It runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

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For the first time in five years, Louisiana has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to the First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard by Leaders for a Better Louisiana. CEO Adam Knapp says the report notes a 1.1-percent increase in jobs over the past year and a 2.2-percent rise over two years, with 41-hundred more jobs than in February 2020.

Cut 7 (05) “…what we lost.”

Wages have risen 19-percent in four years, slightly below the Southern average. Better Louisiana calls this a major milestone, though Knapp stresses that the state still trails most Southern states in long-term job growth.  Knapp says Louisiana created a new strategic plan for each sector in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…go after those.”

Business growth and residential construction lag behind regional averages, but population growth returned in 2024, especially in Baton Rouge and Lafayette.  Knapp attributes this to Louisiana’s lower cost of living.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dollar spends further.”

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Former LSU and Neville High football star Will Campbell will become the second Tiger offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft tonight. Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle for LSU and he told KNOE-TV sports that he’s eager to find out where he’ll start his professional career.

Cut 10 (08) “…for it.”

Alan Faneca is the only other former LSU offensive lineman selected in the first round when he was the 26^th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Several mock drafts have the New England Patriots selecting Campbell with the fourth overall pick. The Monroe native told KNOE-TV sports he has no problem re-locating to the northeast.

Cut 11 (14) “…get to work.”

The NFL draft will begin at 7 tonight, and it’s taking place in Green Bay. Campbell is one of 12 potential first round picks who are at the draft and will likely get a hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell after he’s selected.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to be there.”

The audio is from KNOE-TV sports.

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The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert is sponsoring the bill.

Cut 13 (05)  “…first 15-thousand.”

Hebert says his motivation stemmed from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Despite trying to convince his insurer to fight the claim, he ultimately chose to pay the 15-thousand dollars to settle the case. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Spring Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

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Several LSU Tigers are expected to be selected during the seven-round draft. Draft expert and WWL Sports Talk Show Mike Detillier expects former St. James star and Tigers edge rusher Sai’vion Jones will be a mid round selection.

Cut 16 (16) “…fourth round selection.”

Jones had solid senior season at LSU with 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Mason Taylor played for three seasons at LSU and left Baton Rouge as the Tigers all-time leading receiver for a tight end in receptions and yards. Detillier says Taylor is an excellent pass catcher and still has to work on his blocking.

Cut 17 (18)  “…second round pick.”

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis did not provide much of an update on quarterback Derek Carr’s situation when he met with the media yesterday. Loomis says they are still trying to determine the significance of Carr’s shoulder injury.

Cut 18 (09)  “…to you.”

The Saints have the ninth overall pick and could take a quarterback at that time or early in second round, since Carr’s future with the organization appears to be cloudy. But Loomis says Carr’s injury does not impact their draft strategy.

Cut 19 (19) “…our roster.”

The Saints are expected to take an offensive or defensive linemen with the ninth overall pick. Loomis would not show his cards when he met with reporters yesterday, only to say…

Cut 20 (20) “….8 to 10 years.”

The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert says his motivation stems from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Springs Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

Governor Landry issued an executive order, establishing the French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission. The commission would recommend and facilitate the creation of a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attack early New Year’s Day, in which 14 innocent people celebrating the arrival of the new year were killed. In a statement, Landry said the senseless act shattered lives and has shaken the state, and the memorial would ensure that the victims will never be forgotten. The commission will deliver its recommendations to the governor within one year.

Former Louisiana House Speaker Bubba Henry has passed away at the age of 89. He led the House in the 1970s and was instrumental in the writing of Louisiana’s current constitution in 1973. Henry also served as a top adviser to former governor Dave Treen for four years.  Following that job, he spent decades as a lobbyist at the Legislature for decades.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says at the start of the Landry administration, there were only three residential treatment sites for mothers with substance use disorders. He says he wants to up that number to eight by the end of next year. Croughan says that’s not the only goal of Project MOM.

Cut 11 (09) “…care they deserve.”

Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher killed 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says the shooting ruined what had been a peaceful Easter Sunday at Mayfield Park.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that is unfortunate.”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A woman and her nephew are charged with child abuse in Crowley after a two-year-old suffers several injuries, including two broken arms. Police say 19-year-old Xavier Vincent hurt the toddler as he was watching the child. They say the child’s mother, 34-year-old Jessica Chavers, neglected to properly supervise the child and failed to report the abuse. Vincent and Chavers are booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher shot 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter to death outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says they were at Mayfield Park earlier in the day with other family members.

Cut 12 (08) “…escalated into gunshots.”

Butcher is facing four charges, including second-degree murder.

Jefferson Parish officials are using a 140-thousand dollar grant from the Louisiana Economic Development Department to promote Grand Isle’s off-bottom oysters into high-end markets. JEDCO CEO Jerry Bologna hopes Grand Isle will become a national model for innovation in oyster farming and seafood branding.

Cut 8 (08) “…premium seafood products.”

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis spoke today ahead of the NFL draft tomorrow night. It’s the first time Loomis has spoke since news broke that quarterback Derek Carr could miss the season with an injury to his shoulder. Loomis did not shine anymore light on the situation…

Cut 20 (09) “…back to you”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium last night. LSU played a sloppy game in a 13-3 loss to Northwestern State. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says they got some breaks, but took advantage of them…

Cut 3 (14) “…applying.”

It’s Northwestern’s first win over a ranked team since 2019. It was an ugly game for LSU who committed three errors, walked four hitters, hit four batters and the only offense was three solo home runs. Coach Jay Johnson says it was a disappointing performance…

Cut 4 (05) “…whole thing.”

Bertrand says it was a great victory for their program…

Cut 5 (14) “…unbelievable team.”

Northwestern State returns to Southland play on Friday as the Demons are at Stephen F Austin. LSU hosts defending national champion Tennessee.

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Grand Isle has launched the “Jewel” oyster brand to revitalize its seafood industry through sustainable off-bottom farming. Backed by a 140-thousand-dollar grant from Louisiana Economic Development to JEDCO, the campaign promotes boutique oysters cultivated near the water’s surface.  JEDCO CEO Jerry Bologna says it will bring farmers under one umbrella brand.

Cut 6 (12) “…Jefferson Parish.”

Bologna says the Grand Isle Jewel campaign is aiming to bolster Louisiana’s $2.4 billion seafood industry and counter competition from imports.

Cut 7 (12) “…throughout the country.”

The initiative reflects Jefferson Parish’s commitment to preserving culinary heritage and creating economic opportunities through sustainable aquaculture. Bologna hopes Grand Isle will become a national model for innovation in oyster farming and seafood branding.

Cut 8 (08) “…premium seafood products.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. It’s called Project MOM – Maternal Overdose Mortality. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says while the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative increased screening rates, not nearly enough mothers have been getting treated for substance abuse.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they deserve.”

Dr. Croughan says Lake Charles was the only region in the state that saw a decrease in overdose deaths through the Bridge Initiative – part of which may involve issuing the prescription drug naloxone to help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

Cut 10 (12) “…within 48 hours”

Croughan says at the start of the Landry administration, there were only three residential treatment sites for mothers with substance use disorders. He says he wants to up that number to eight by the end of next year. Croughan says that’s not the only goal of Project MOM.

Cut 11 (09) “…care they deserve.”

Croughan says since 2018, overdose has overtaken every complication to become the number-one cause of maternal mortality in Louisiana.

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Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher shot 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter to death outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says they were at Mayfield Park earlier in the day with other family members.

Cut 12 (08) “…escalated into gunshots.”

Butcher is facing four charges, including second-degree murder. Chief Watson says the shooting ruined what had been a peaceful Easter Sunday at the park.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that is unfortunate.”

For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium last night. LSU played a sloppy game in a 13-3 loss to Northwestern State. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says they got some breaks, but took advantage of them…

Cut 3 (14) “…applying.”

Grand Isle has launched the “Jewel” oyster brand to revitalize its seafood industry through sustainable off-bottom farming. Backed by a 140-thousand-dollar grant from Louisiana Economic Development to JEDCO, the campaign promotes boutique oysters cultivated near the water’s surface.  JEDCO CEO Jerry Bologna says the Grand Isle Jewel campaign is aiming to bolster Louisiana’s $2.4 billion seafood industry and counter competition from imports.

Cut 7 (12) “…throughout the country.”

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. It’s called Project MOM – Maternal Overdose Mortality. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says Lake Charles was the only region in the state that saw a decrease in overdose deaths through the Bridge Initiative – part of which may involve issuing the prescription drug naloxone to help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

Cut 10 (12) “…within 48 hours”

Ruston police issued a warrant for Zyheim T. Butcher, 23, in connection with an Easter Sunday shooting that killed Deontrell Marquis Hunter and injured four others. Butcher faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and illegal firearm possession. He was previously charged in a 2021 Grambling State University shooting.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. It’s called Project MOM – Maternal Overdose Mortality. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says while the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative increased screening rates, not nearly enough mothers have been getting treated for substance abuse. 

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they deserve.”

For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium. They lost to Northwestern State, 13-3. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says it was a great win…

Cut 5 (14) “…unbelievable team.”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Last year, 12 children in Louisiana died from accidental shootings. That’s according to one nonprofit that tracks gun violence. But a bill by State Representative Matthew Willard looks to change that by holding gun owners more accountable.  If passed, the bill will make improper storage of a firearm a crime.

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved legislation that would overhaul how vapor products are taxed and it will result in those products being taxed at a higher rate. The bill’s author, Vacherie Representative Ken Brass, says the additional money will raise money for health initiatives and curb youth vaping. But Mandeville Representative Jay Galle voted against the legislation, he says teenagers will find other ways to get their hands on vaping products…

Cut 10 (06) “….my concerns”

House Appropriations is also expected to take a look at the proposal.

A Senate Committee unanimously advances a bill that is designed to eliminate ticket writing cameras in Louisiana. Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey says some cities and towns are just using these cameras as a money grab and says they’re very unpopular among those in the general public and lawmakers alike.

Cut 13 (11)  “…it doesn’t matter.”

Efforts in the past to ban ticket writing cameras have failed.

Grand Isle has launched the “Jewel” oyster brand to revitalize its seafood industry through sustainable off-bottom farming. Backed by a 140-thousand-dollar grant from Louisiana Economic Development to JEDCO, the campaign promotes boutique oysters cultivated near the water’s surface.  JEDCO CEO Jerry Bologna says it will bring farmers under one umbrella brand.

Cut 6 (12) “…Jefferson Parish.”

The Northwestern State baseball team pulled off a huge upset last night as they defeated seventh ranked LSU 13 to 3 for its first win over a ranked opponent since 2019. Demons Coach Chris Bertrand says it was a great victory for their program…

Cut 5 (15) “…unbelievable team”

It’s the first time a non-conference opponent has run-ruled LSU at the Box.

The House Ways and Means Committee rejected a proposal to increase tax on tobacco cigarettes, but that same panel approves a state tax hike on vape products and e-cigarettes. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Former Louisiana House Speaker Bubba Henry has passed away at the age of 89. He led the House in the 1970s and was instrumental in the writing of Louisiana’s current constitution in 1973. Henry also served as a top adviser to former governor Dave Treen for four years.  Following that job, he spent decades as a lobbyist at the Legislature for decades.

Bruce Greenstein (GREEN-steen) is back as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Greenstein previously served as LDH Secretary from 2010 to 23, but was indicted for allegedly lying a grand jury under oath about his alleged involved in the awarding of a cancelled Medicaid contract with his previously employer. When current Governor Jeff Landry became Attorney General, the charges were dropped in 2015. Greenstein has long denied the accusations…

Cut 15 (08) “…it was dropped”

The LSU Tigers suffered their first ever run-rule loss against a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium as Northwestern State left Baton Rouge with a 13-3 victory. Coach Jay Johnson says it was a disappointing performance…

Cut 4 (05) “…whole thing.”

It was the first win for the Demons against a ranked team since 2019.