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.