The biggest music festival in Louisiana opens today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana’s first quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard shows the state has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The NFL draft is tonight, and former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell is expected to be one of the first names called. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The biggest musical festival in the state opens today. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival runs from Thursday through Sunday this week and next week. Producer and Director Quint Davis says it’s a never-ending celebration of Louisiana music.

Cut 4 (08) “…all the bands.”

Davis says while the festival celebrates Louisiana jazz music, the music is by no means limited to jazz.

Cut 5 (12) “…you can get.”

Other big-name artists taking the stage during the eight-day festival include the Dave Matthews Band, Santana and John Fogerty. Davis says, of course, no festival in New Orleans would ever be complete without some world-class Louisiana cuisine.

Cut 6 (13) “…a buttered bun.”

This year, Louisiana residents get a discount on their admission tickets. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course. It runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

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For the first time in five years, Louisiana has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to the First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard by Leaders for a Better Louisiana. CEO Adam Knapp says the report notes a 1.1-percent increase in jobs over the past year and a 2.2-percent rise over two years, with 41-hundred more jobs than in February 2020.

Cut 7 (05) “…what we lost.”

Wages have risen 19-percent in four years, slightly below the Southern average. Better Louisiana calls this a major milestone, though Knapp stresses that the state still trails most Southern states in long-term job growth.  Knapp says Louisiana created a new strategic plan for each sector in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…go after those.”

Business growth and residential construction lag behind regional averages, but population growth returned in 2024, especially in Baton Rouge and Lafayette.  Knapp attributes this to Louisiana’s lower cost of living.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dollar spends further.”

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Former LSU and Neville High football star Will Campbell will become the second Tiger offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft tonight. Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle for LSU and he told KNOE-TV sports that he’s eager to find out where he’ll start his professional career.

Cut 10 (08) “…for it.”

Alan Faneca is the only other former LSU offensive lineman selected in the first round when he was the 26^th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Several mock drafts have the New England Patriots selecting Campbell with the fourth overall pick. The Monroe native told KNOE-TV sports he has no problem re-locating to the northeast.

Cut 11 (14) “…get to work.”

The NFL draft will begin at 7 tonight, and it’s taking place in Green Bay. Campbell is one of 12 potential first round picks who are at the draft and will likely get a hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell after he’s selected.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to be there.”

The audio is from KNOE-TV sports.

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The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert is sponsoring the bill.

Cut 13 (05)  “…first 15-thousand.”

Hebert says his motivation stemmed from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Despite trying to convince his insurer to fight the claim, he ultimately chose to pay the 15-thousand dollars to settle the case. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Spring Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

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Several LSU Tigers are expected to be selected during the seven-round draft. Draft expert and WWL Sports Talk Show Mike Detillier expects former St. James star and Tigers edge rusher Sai’vion Jones will be a mid round selection.

Cut 16 (16) “…fourth round selection.”

Jones had solid senior season at LSU with 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Mason Taylor played for three seasons at LSU and left Baton Rouge as the Tigers all-time leading receiver for a tight end in receptions and yards. Detillier says Taylor is an excellent pass catcher and still has to work on his blocking.

Cut 17 (18)  “…second round pick.”

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis did not provide much of an update on quarterback Derek Carr’s situation when he met with the media yesterday. Loomis says they are still trying to determine the significance of Carr’s shoulder injury.

Cut 18 (09)  “…to you.”

The Saints have the ninth overall pick and could take a quarterback at that time or early in second round, since Carr’s future with the organization appears to be cloudy. But Loomis says Carr’s injury does not impact their draft strategy.

Cut 19 (19) “…our roster.”

The Saints are expected to take an offensive or defensive linemen with the ninth overall pick. Loomis would not show his cards when he met with reporters yesterday, only to say…

Cut 20 (20) “….8 to 10 years.”

The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert says his motivation stems from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Springs Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

Governor Landry issued an executive order, establishing the French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission. The commission would recommend and facilitate the creation of a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attack early New Year’s Day, in which 14 innocent people celebrating the arrival of the new year were killed. In a statement, Landry said the senseless act shattered lives and has shaken the state, and the memorial would ensure that the victims will never be forgotten. The commission will deliver its recommendations to the governor within one year.

Former Louisiana House Speaker Bubba Henry has passed away at the age of 89. He led the House in the 1970s and was instrumental in the writing of Louisiana’s current constitution in 1973. Henry also served as a top adviser to former governor Dave Treen for four years.  Following that job, he spent decades as a lobbyist at the Legislature for decades.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says at the start of the Landry administration, there were only three residential treatment sites for mothers with substance use disorders. He says he wants to up that number to eight by the end of next year. Croughan says that’s not the only goal of Project MOM.

Cut 11 (09) “…care they deserve.”

Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher killed 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says the shooting ruined what had been a peaceful Easter Sunday at Mayfield Park.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that is unfortunate.”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

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A woman and her nephew are charged with child abuse in Crowley after a two-year-old suffers several injuries, including two broken arms. Police say 19-year-old Xavier Vincent hurt the toddler as he was watching the child. They say the child’s mother, 34-year-old Jessica Chavers, neglected to properly supervise the child and failed to report the abuse. Vincent and Chavers are booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium last night. LSU played a sloppy game in a 13-3 loss to Northwestern State. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says they got some breaks, but took advantage of them…

Cut 3 (14) “…applying.”

It’s Northwestern’s first win over a ranked team since 2019. It was an ugly game for LSU who committed three errors, walked four hitters, hit four batters and the only offense was three solo home runs. Coach Jay Johnson says it was a disappointing performance…

Cut 4 (05) “…whole thing.”

Bertrand says it was a great victory for their program…

Cut 5 (14) “…unbelievable team.”

Northwestern State returns to Southland play on Friday as the Demons are at Stephen F Austin. LSU hosts defending national champion Tennessee.

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Grand Isle has launched the “Jewel” oyster brand to revitalize its seafood industry through sustainable off-bottom farming. Backed by a 140-thousand-dollar grant from Louisiana Economic Development to JEDCO, the campaign promotes boutique oysters cultivated near the water’s surface.  JEDCO CEO Jerry Bologna says it will bring farmers under one umbrella brand.

Cut 6 (12) “…Jefferson Parish.”

Bologna says the Grand Isle Jewel campaign is aiming to bolster Louisiana’s $2.4 billion seafood industry and counter competition from imports.

Cut 7 (12) “…throughout the country.”

The initiative reflects Jefferson Parish’s commitment to preserving culinary heritage and creating economic opportunities through sustainable aquaculture. Bologna hopes Grand Isle will become a national model for innovation in oyster farming and seafood branding.

Cut 8 (08) “…premium seafood products.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. It’s called Project MOM – Maternal Overdose Mortality. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says while the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative increased screening rates, not nearly enough mothers have been getting treated for substance abuse.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they deserve.”

Dr. Croughan says Lake Charles was the only region in the state that saw a decrease in overdose deaths through the Bridge Initiative – part of which may involve issuing the prescription drug naloxone to help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

Cut 10 (12) “…within 48 hours”

Croughan says at the start of the Landry administration, there were only three residential treatment sites for mothers with substance use disorders. He says he wants to up that number to eight by the end of next year. Croughan says that’s not the only goal of Project MOM.

Cut 11 (09) “…care they deserve.”

Croughan says since 2018, overdose has overtaken every complication to become the number-one cause of maternal mortality in Louisiana.

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Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher shot 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter to death outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says they were at Mayfield Park earlier in the day with other family members.

Cut 12 (08) “…escalated into gunshots.”

Butcher is facing four charges, including second-degree murder. Chief Watson says the shooting ruined what had been a peaceful Easter Sunday at the park.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that is unfortunate.”

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. It’s called Project MOM – Maternal Overdose Mortality. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says while the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative increased screening rates, not nearly enough mothers have been getting treated for substance abuse. 

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they deserve.”

For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium. They lost to Northwestern State, 13-3. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says it was a great win…

Cut 5 (14) “…unbelievable team.”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Last year, 12 children in Louisiana died from accidental shootings. That’s according to one nonprofit that tracks gun violence. But a bill by State Representative Matthew Willard looks to change that by holding gun owners more accountable.  If passed, the bill will make improper storage of a firearm a crime.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill intended to do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. The bill’s author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, told the committee that the speed cameras are nothing but a money grab.

Cut 11 (13) “…premium taxes combined.”

The House Commerce Committee will soon consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising, including prohibiting the use of slogans. Critics, including LSU media law professor Will Mari, say it would be like restricting restaurants from using catchphrases.

Cut 6 (08) “…hard to justify.”

Supporters, including Governor Landry, say it will reduce frivolous lawsuits and lower auto insurance costs.

The new secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health addresses the legal issues that dogged his previous time in office. Bruce Greenstein (GREEN-steen) was indicted for lying to a grand jury under oath about the awarding of a cancelled Medicaid contract with his previous employer. It also led to a civil suit that was settled after three years. Greenstein says he had nothing to do with the civil suit.

Cut 16 (05) “…from either side.”

For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium last night. LSU played a sloppy game in a 13-3 loss to Northwestern State. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says they got some breaks, but took advantage of them…

Cut 3 (14) “…applying.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving an individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof. The author, River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot, says the Legislative Auditor’s Office found that homeowners who had a fortified roof installed saw a decline in their insurance premiums.

Cut 11 (12) “…their premium.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approves an increase to the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes, but it voted down a bill to increase Louisiana’s tax on cigarettes. Vacherie Representative Ken Brass, who wrote the vape and e-cig tax bill, says a higher tax will result in a drop in usage for these harmful products…

Cut 7 (06) “…health care costs.”

Democrats on the committee voted for Brass’s bill, while Republicans were split.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill that would do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. The author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, says the speed cameras are nothing but a money grab.

Cut 23 (13) “…premium taxes combined.”

Cathey says an unscientific study found that speed cameras were less popular than herpes. The bill now advances to the full Senate.

The House Commerce Committee will consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising. Critics, including LSU media law professor Will Mari, argue that the U-S Supreme Court has already weighed in on previous efforts.

Cut 4 (11) “…First Amendment protection.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving an individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home. Author Kirk Talbot says a fortified roof can reduce storm damage in a high wind event and that means fewer claims for insurance companies…

Cut 10 (10) “…know that.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a new task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Undersecretary Drew Maranto says the department will collaborate with several departments in this effort.

Cut 6 (10) “…gaps in oversight.”

One initiative involves LDH collaborating with the Office of Motor Vehicles to ensure that no Medicaid recipient in Louisiana has an active driver’s license in another state. 

Meta’s Teen Accounts look to safeguard minors and notify parents of what their kids are doing on Instagram. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two measles cases in the New Orleans area. The second case was identified through contact tracing. Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan says take extra precautions if you believe you or a loved one is infected.

Cut 9 (08)  “…can expose others.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hosts a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center. CEO Charles Fuschillo says the focus is on Alzheimer’s education, brain health, wellness, and updates on new therapies and trials.

Cut 5 (10) “…can give them.”

It’s part of the Educating America Tour, which provides critical information for families and individuals affected by memory concerns.

The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The legislature is also considering several bills to create revenue streams and tax breaks for collegiate athletic programs. Among them are one to create a fund to give tax dollars to NCAA Division One athletics programs and one to exempt college athletes from income taxes on NIL money.

The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill today that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. Critics say the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, bill author Nancy Landry of New Orleans remains resolute, seeing it as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…do go down.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center. CEO Charles Fuschillo says they’ll discuss the science of brain aging, transitioning from home to long-term nursing care after dementia diagnosis, and other topics.

Cut 6 (09) “…to register.”

The event is part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Educating America Tour.

The Public Service Commission voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. The 3-to-2 vote will end all energy efficiency programs outside of the PSC’s jurisdiction at the end of the year. Commission Chairman Mike Francis says the third-party program for private entities is not cost-efficient.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of operating costs.”

The Alliance for Affordable Energy is not happy with the decision. Executive Director Logan Burke says removing the energy efficiency program will make it harder for people to reduce their utility bills.  

Cut 15 (08) “…have gone up.”

The commission will discuss the issue again at its meeting next month.

A Metairie couple is under arrest after a young child with special needs is found dead in their home. The 49-year-old man and and his 22-year-old girlfriend are each charged with negligent homicide. No word on how the child died.