After a two-year hiatus, the Essence Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans at full strength this holiday weekend. David Grubb has more…
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Despite increased costs for…well, everything, Independence Day holiday travel is predicted to be HUGE. More from Kevin Gallagher.
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It will like take months before the Supreme Court makes a final determination on the legality of Louisiana’s Congressional map. David Grubb has more…
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After a two-year hiatus, the Essence Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans at full strength this holiday weekend. Now in its 27th year, Essence Fest is the nation’s largest music festival, regularly drawing more than half a million visitors to the city. Councilman Oliver Thomas says there’s no way to overstate its importance for the city and state.
Cut 4 (12) “…tourism industry.”
New Orleans has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons lately, with concerns over crime and city services. Thomas says this is an opportunity for “The Crescent City” to send a message to the nation that it remains one of America’s premier cultural destinations.
Cut 5 (12) “…we host people.”
This year’s headliners include comedian Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, and New Edition. Attendees will also be able to attend seminars, shop local vendors, and participate in both in-person and virtual events at the Morial Convention Center. Thomas says the star power is unmatched.
Cut 6 (10) “…second to none.”
Festival organizers say that all attendees are required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for admission. Essence Fest starts tonight and ends Sunday.
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Despite high gasoline costs and increased prices for food and lodging, over 47 million Americans are expected to travel this Independence Day weekend. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says that estimate reflects the second-busiest July 4th weekend since the year 2000. He says a great many will be on the highways…:
Cut 7 (11) “…travel industry.”
AAA predicts a 6-percent increase in motorists from 2019 for the four-state region of Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma…
Cut 8 (10) “…our region.”
Redman says, while the number who intend to drive for the holiday is up sharply, airline bookings are down considerably. He says air travel estimates haven’t been this low in over 11 years…:
Cut 9 (12) “…the airline fees.”
Redman says hotel rates are up over 20-percent, restaurant dining is up over 12-percent, and airfares have increased about 14-percent. Nevertheless, he says, people are ready to get out and go after the pandemic.
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There are 17 new wildlife agents on the job today, they are the most recent graduates of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says potential agents undergo a rigorous selection process to before they attend the academy.
Cut 10 (10) “…of the training.”
Einck says it’s an ideal profession individuals who enjoy hunting, fishing, boating or hiking. He says it’s the perfect job for people who love the outdoors.
Cut 11 (11) “…waterways of the state.”
The primary focus for a wildlife agent is ecosystem and conservation enforcement along with recreational boating safety. And Einck says another task agents perform is search and rescue.
Cut 12 (08) “…big floods.”
For more information on becoming a wildlife agent visit LDWF’s website.
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Qualifying for the Congressional elections is next month and based on a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court this week, Louisiana will use the district map approved by the Legislature in February. What if the Supreme Court later rules the map is unconstitutional? ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this fall’s election results will stand…
Cut 13 (07) “…elected.”
Stockley says this is not the first time a Congressional District map drawn up by the Legislature needed the courts to determine if it was legal…
Cut 14 (11) “…for Louisiana.”
The U-S Supreme Court might not make a final ruling on Louisiana’s Congressional map until after the fall elections. They are also looking at Alabama’s Congressional map. Stockley says based on their recent rulings, he expects the court to rule that it does NOT violate the Voting Rights Act…
Cut 15 (11) “…stay in effect.”
Stockley says a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court on Louisiana’s map might not come down until next summer.
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Once known as the most prolific offensive team in the NFL, the Saints have been owners of one of its most dangerous defenses the past few seasons, even in the face of some incredible adversity. Defensive end Cam Jordan says overcoming that adversity has given the unit tremendous confidence heading into this season.
Cut 16 (14) “…is unreal.”
Jay Johnson wasn’t kidding when he said he was going straight to work following the conclusion of LSU’s baseball season. He continues to add talent to his roster at a dizzying rate. One of those newcomers, former Baylor shortstop Jack Pineda, says he chose the Tigers because he wanted to compete with and against the very best players in the nation.
Cut 17 (20) “ …in that conference.”
Pineda likely slots in at the top of the LSU batting order next season. He says he’s already thinking about how dangerous the Tigers’ lineup could be for opposing pitchers.
Cut 18 (16) “ …of the time.”
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