There’s plenty of anticipation in the Big Easy as Jazz Fest returns after being silenced by the pandemic since 2019. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A bill mandating equal pay for women who do the same work as men is halted in a House committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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A New Orleans grand jury has indicted four teenagers for their alleged roles in the carjacking and murder of Linda Frickey. David Grubb has more…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival finally returns to the Fairgrounds today after being silenced by the pandemic, and with headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Willie Nelson, Stevie Nicks, and Erykah Badu; Jazz Fest Producer Quint Davis says the one thing he’s looking forward to the most is the audience.
Cut 4 (06) “…waiting for.”
With opening weekend competing with Festival International, Garth Brooks, and the State Fair Davis says he’s not sure attendance records will be broken but he is positive once the gates open it will be memorable, similar to the first Jazz Fest after Katrina, but this time it’s been absent for three years.
Cut 5 (05) “…festival’s back.”
And not only is Jazz Fest going to be memorable for the crowd this year, Davis says it’s going to be extremely special for the musical acts also. He says they were overwhelmed with requests to play the festival this year.
Cut 6 (08) “…live people.”
Jazz Fest will take place over seven days, beginning April 29th to May 1st and then on May 5th until the 8th. For more information visit NOjazzfest.com.
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The House Labor Committee votes down a bill to demand all employers in the state give equal pay regardless of gender. Speaking for his bill, Marrero Democrat Representative Kyle Green says his bill seeks to extend equal pay mandates for government workers – passed in 2013 – to include everyone…:
Cut 7 (13) “…for women of color.”
But Caddo Parish Republican Representative Dodie Horton wondered if Green was aware the state already has a 2013 non-discrimination law that achieves the same thing…:
Cut 8 (13) “…national origin, disability…”
Horton says passing a redundant bill will probably not help close the gender pay gap.
Bossier City Republican Representative Raymond Crews agrees that women already have a state law under which to address a gender pay inequity. He says employers who arbitrarily pay men more than women are only hurting themselves…:
Cut 9 (14) “…at a higher rate.”
By a vote of 3 “yeas” to 7 “nays”, the bill fails to pass and is dead for the session.
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A grand jury in New Orleans has indicted four teenagers on charges of second-degree murder in the death of Linda Frickey, who died after the teens allegedly carjacked and dragged her down a street last month. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says all four will be tried as adults.
Cut 10 (11) “…not enough.”
Frickey died on March 21 after being forced from her car and dragged for the length of a city block. While discussing the indictments, Williams relayed the thoughts of Mrs. Frickey’s family, whom he has been in contact with since the arrests.
Cut 11 (11) “…asked for it.”
The carjacking occurred in the middle of a weekday afternoon and has been viewed as particularly brazen and brutal. Williams says that nothing will undo the tragedy, but his office is determined to bring some justice to the Frickey family and the community.
Cut 12 (11) “…horrible murder.”
If convicted on an adult charge of second-degree murder, each juvenile would face a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
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Two high-ranking state police officers and a retired officer appeared before the House committee investigating the 2019 State Police custody death of Ronald Greene Thursday. Lt Col Chavez Cammon, who was then over internal affairs, acknowledged that officers involved in Greene’s arrest should be held responsible.
Cut 13 (13) “…held accountable.”
In past hearings, some LSP personnel have told committee members they could not answer questions due to an active investigation. Lt. Col Kenny VanBuren, Deputy Superintendent Bureau of Investigations told lawmakers there have been no indictments, no arrests so, therefore, there are no pending judgments. VanBuren said he would answer questions about the case and that…
Cut 14 (07) “…no idea.”
The committee is also questioning how much Governor John Bel Edwards knew about the Greene case and when he knew it. Kenner Representative Debbie Villio asked Cammon if he ever spoke with former LSP Commissioner Calvin Braxton about the Greene case with the intent it would be relayed to the Edwards Administration, he said he did not.
Cut 15 (12) “…make those statements.”
On April 7th Third District Attorney General John Belton told committee members a grand jury will be convened to consider charges against troopers involved with Greene’s death.
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Two of the Saints biggest needs heading into the NFL draft were at wide receiver and offensive tackle and they addressed both areas in the first round. New Orleans traded up to take receiver Chris Olave with the 11th pick. The former Ohio State standout joins former Buckeye Michael Thomas in the wide receiver room
Cut 16 (13) “…going.”
With the 19th overall pick, the Saints selected Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Penning is known for having a nasty side…
Cut 17 (17) “ …get ready to compete.”
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The New Orleans Pelicans led by 10 at the half, but ultimately fell to the Phoenix Suns, 115-109, losing their opening round playoff series four games to two. It was a tough conclusion to a season that took the Pels from a 1-12 start to pushing the NBA’s top team nearly to the limit. Herb Jones gave his thoughts on the journey.
Cut 18 (18) “ …did this year.”
Like his mentor Monty Williams, Pels head coach Willie Green was able to lead New Orleans to the playoffs in his first season on the bench, something that seemed impossible just two months ago. Jones explained how the team fed off of Green’s positive energy during its postseason push.
Cut 19 (18) _“…off his energy.”
Jose Alvarado came off the bench to score 11 points to go along with four assists, three rebounds. and two steals. Following the loss, the undrafted rookie, who went from two-player to a major contributor, talked about the influence Willie Green had on him this season…
Cut 20 (17) “ …the whole time.”