A sad story out of Bastrop as two young children who authorities believe were left home alone while their mother was getting her hair done, died in a house fire. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the blaze, which ignited Monday afternoon, was likely started by a gas space heater inside the wood-framed home…

cut 3 (10) “home alone”

He says criminal charges are anticipated if they confirm that there was nobody responsible for supervising the children when the fire started.

Louisiana”s newly selected Higher Education Commissioner, Joseph Rallo, is embarking on a statewide tour to introduce himself to communities and school leaders. Rallo says he wants all of the system presidents to be on the same page when it comes to dealing with issues facing higher ed…

cut 10 (04) “vitally important”

Rallo says he plans to engage with leaders who share the common goal of creating a stronger economy through higher education.

A federal judge has ordered former Saints safety, Darren Sharper, to be brought to New Orleans to face federal drug charges. This ruling puts the federal case ahead of the separate state rape charges Sharper faces in Arizona, California, and Louisiana. In December, Sharper, along with former St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s deputy Brandon Licciardi, was charged with three federal narcotics counts related to drugging women in order to sexually assault them.

This year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival promises another stellar lineup including huge acts like Elton John, Keith Urban, JImmy Buffett, Ed Sheeran, and many many more. Festival Producer Quint Davis says says they strive to have something for everyone…

cut 15 (13) “like anything”

Other exciting names playing this year are Widespread Panic, Jerry Lee Lewis, Galactic and Pitbull. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival runs April 24th through May 3rd. Tickets are on sale now.