The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is celebrating 50 years with a star-studded lineup.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (28) “Im Kevin Barnhart”  

Jeff Davis Parish Sheriffs and the Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission are investigating a case of suspected animal cruelty involving five cattle that had been shot in the head with a small caliber weapon. The cows are still alive and grazing, but authorities are hunting for the suspect in the abuse case, and are offering an award for anyone who presents information that can lead to an arrest and conviction.

The family of one of the Marksville children who died in a fiery interstate calamity outside of Gainesville, Florida has hired an attorney to pursue damages against the two truckers and companies involved in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says they hope to recover damages for the family of 14-year-old Jeremiah Wright.

Cut 4 (10) “…the investigation″

Reports several days after the wreck noted one of the drivers had been cited several times for his driving, but Fried says it’s too early to confirm that information.

Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue has this advice for others who use a wood-burning fireplace or stove…

Cut 13 (09) “…combustible items.”

the man and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze.

The Rolling Stones is the headline performer at 50th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Producer Quint Davis says the legendary rock band will perform at the Fairgrounds on May 2nd and tickets go on sale later this week…
cut 8 (13) “…for only Louisianians”
And then tickets will be available to non-Louisiana residents on Friday. The tickets are not cheap, 185-dollars a piece.

It sounds like the mayor of Atlanta took a cheap shot at Saints fans. Keisha Lance Bottoms was asked who she’d like to see in the Super Bowl when the city hosts the big game a week from Sunday. Bottoms said anyone but the Saints. New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says the Crescent City would not have that attitude…
cut 11 (10) “…New Orleans”

Two trucking companies involved in the fatal Florida interstate crash that killed five Marksville children are being sued…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana residents on food stamps can expect their February benefits this week, because of the partial government shutdown. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says recipients must be aware that these are not extra benefits, so budget accordingly for February.

Funeral services are today for two of the five children from Marksville killed in the fiery crash on a Florida interstate on January third, 14-year-old Joel Cloud and 14-year-old Jeremiah Warren. Warren’s family has hired well known attorney Joel Fried as his family is seeking damages. Fried says he’s filed court paper seeking more information on the drivers and two truck companies involved…
cut 5 (09) “…happen”

Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they are still trying to determine the cause…
cut 12 (09) “…wood burning stove”

The Rolling Stones and Katy Perry are the headliners for the 50th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Tickets for the Rolling Stone will cost 185-dollars to see Mick Jagger and the boys perform on May 2nd. Producer Quint Davis says the music festival features several other big acts…
cut 7 (10) “…Trombone Shorty”
Thursday April 25th is the opening date of the festival.

During Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels….
Cut 13 (11) “…of loudness.”
That’s Southeastern Louisiana Communications Professor Joe Burns says it’s likely that reported 128 Db was only a momentary spike, and not a prolonged period that could result in hearing damage.

When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Flacons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s all in good fun.

Cut 9, 11 seconds, Saints

Bottoms also added “I know there’s going to be a bounty on my head for saying that”, as she reportedly smiled.

The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffet, Santana, and others will headline The 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest. Festival producer Quint Davis says, yes that rumor about the Stones headlining the half century celebration was absolutely true, and he’s looking forward to having Mick and crew back in town.

Cut 6 (07) “…The Rolling Stones.”

Earth Wind and Fire, Van Morrison, Pitbull, Bob Segar, Trombone Shorty, and others highlight the list.

If you are looking forward to trying some great new Louisiana craft beers, the government shutdown is slowing down the release of those brews. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

So Saints fans will have to settle for an old familiar brew for the Sunday contest, where the Black and Gold are favored by 3.5 points over the LA Rams.

The family of one of the Marksville children who died in a fiery interstate calamity outside of Gainesville, Florida has hired an attorney to pursue damages against the two truckers and companies responsible in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says it’s crucial to have the investigation into the tragedy begin today.

Cut 3, 10 seconds, discovered

Eagles Express Lines and New Prime, have been named in the suit, along with their two drivers who died in the crash.

Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says Food stamp benefits for February are coming early for Louisiana residents, and recipients can expect their SNAP funds this week.

Cut 7 (09) “…100% federally funded.”

But added, beyond February, there’s a great deal of uncertainty.

The federal government shutdown is impacting the craft beer business in Louisiana as the industry is heavily regulated by the feds. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says brewers are not able to get product labels approved during the shutdown, so some of the seasonal beers are being put on hold.

Cut 10 (09) “…back a bit.”

Reports say that for at least one moment in Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels, but Southeastern Louisiana communications Professor Joe Burns says it’s likely that reported 128 Db was only a momentary spike, and not a prolonged period that could result in hearing damage. Still, if you’re bringing your children to the Rams NFC Championship clash this Sunday, he has a suggestion….

Cut 15 (11) “….to you”

As the federal government shutdown continues, the focus of food stamp recipients turns to what they can expect as the SNAP program is federally funded. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says there is uncertainty as to what happens with the program beyond February.
Cut 8 (09) “…anything about March.”

February benefits are coming this week.

The shutdown is also impacting the craft beer business in Louisiana as the industry is heavily regulated by the feds. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says some of the new breweries that were hoping to have opened in the time since the shutdown, but now they are at a standstill.

Cut 11 (10) “…45 days delayed.”
Reports say that for at least one moment in Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels. Southeastern Louisiana communications professor Joe Burns says it’s a remarkable feat, saying sound for the Essence Fest, which also takes place at the dome, has their maximum sound level set far below what Saints fans accomplished.

Cut 14 (11) “…that’s insane.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser laid out the Office of Tourism’s goals for 2019 in a speech at the Baton Rouge Press Club. Nungesser says he wants to build on international tourism. Nungesser is also looking at ways to bring in more dollars to help improve tourist destinations like state parks. He says there are around 15 public-private partnerships near completion, but before they can be finalized he needs the legislature’s help.
Cut 5 (09) “…do.”

Louisiana residents on food stamps can expect their February benefits this week, because of the partial government shutdown. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory…
cut 7 (09) “…100-percent federal funded”
Guillory says recipients must be aware that these are not extra benefits, so budget accordingly for February.

The government shutdown is also impacting Louisiana breweries. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing, Karlos Knott, says the agency responsible for approving new beer labels is closed, so seasonal beers and new beers can’t receive label approval, which hurts the consumer…
cut 12 (10) “…shutdown over”
There are 33 craft breweries in Louisiana.

A Southeastern Louisiana communications professor says the 128 decibels measured in the dome during Sunday’s Saints win was nearly as loud as a thunder crack at it’s source. Fans watching the game on Fox got a little taste of that roar…
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Atlanta is the host city for this year’s Super Bowl. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was asked which two two teams she would like to see in the Super Bowl and her response was anyone but the Saints.

Funeral services are today for two of the five children from Marksville killed in the fiery crash on a Florida interstate on January third. 14-year-old Joel Cloud and 14-year-old Jeremiah Warren will be laid to rest after 11 AM services at the Chapel of Hixon Brothers Funeral Home. Warren’s family has filed a lawsuit in the hopes of recovering damages.

As the federal government shutdown continues, food stamp recipients can expect February benefits this week. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The Saints are a 3.5 point favorite this Sunday in their NFC title match-up with Los Angeles. A key to a New Orleans win is slowing down the Rams run game. Coach Sean Payton is impressed with their 273 yard rushing performance last weekend against the Cowboys…
cut 16 (11) “….defended the run”
A win Sunday and the Saints will play in their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants to keep the relationship alive between New Orleans and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve. The past three years the popular TV program featured the Big Easy on New Year’s Eve, with a television audience of 20-30 million viewers. .
Cut 6 (11) “…year.”
Nungesser says the contract to have the show in NOLA has reached its end and he wants it renewed.