The Louisiana Senate has made significant changes to Governor Jeff Landry’s closed party primary proposal. The legislation no longer includes statewide or legislative races, but the bill would shift federal elections to party primaries starting with elections in 2026. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis still believes it’s a bad bill for Louisiana…

Cut 3 (07) “…are going to be frustrated.”

Unaffiliated voters will be able to vote in the primaries. The proposal heads to the House for its concurrence.

2 people died as a result of the recent frigid weather. The Louisiana Department of Health reports coroners confirmed that the deaths of a 36-year-old male in Rapides Parish and a 73-year-old female were weather related due to hypothermia.

Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to finance a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge calls for tolls but at a lower cost than what the Edwards Administration proposed. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Visitation for Grammy-winning Cajun musician Jo-EL Sonnier is being held this afternoon. Sonnier was honored with numerous accolades and he was inducted into seven Music Halls of Fame. Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Mike Shepard…

Cut 8 (09) “…his heart.” 

Louisiana has launched the Year of Music Campaign to emphasize the state’s musical culture and influence on music across genres. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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With the lineup for JazzFest 2024 public, Brooke Thorington has more from the festival’s producer about what all goes into creating a “Killer” line-up and what it means for the city.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Once again Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has filed a bill that will be debated in the upcoming regular session to make it legal to conceal carry a gun without a permit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana’s Year of Music campaign has begun, and Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says it started with Louisiana’s Showmanship Award winning float and musical performance at the Rose Bowl parade. 2024 will be a year of promoting the Bayou State through its great music and rich musical history…

Cut 4 (09) “…January 22nd.”

Recently, Louisiana talents like Lauren Daigle, Jon Batiste, Laney Wilson, Amanda Shaw, and Lane Hardy have shined a spotlight on the state and Nungesser says Louisiana will be working on some social media take overs where they discuss what they love about Louisiana. The state is also launching the Louisiana Music Trail…

Cut 5 (12) “…in Vidalia.” 

You can travel the Trail. It goes live on ExploreLouisiana.com

As part of the Year of Music, Nungesser says, Louisiana will be participating in events like the CMA Fest in Nashville, ad DC Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C.

Cut 6 (11) “…trip here.”

Nungesser also hopes this is the year to bring back the Music Commission to begin to bring more music recording back to Louisiana.

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The complete line-up for the 2024 New Orleans JazzFest is out and it runs the gamut, from Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals to Zachary Richard. JazzFest Producer Quint Davis says this year’s bill is unlike those in years past with eight days of music at the fairgrounds.

Cut 7 (13) “…fell in.”

Booking acts for 14 different stages is no easy task. Davis says for example it’s taken five years to get The Rolling Stones, after the pandemic and one tour being postponed for health issues but 2024 is the year. He says several factors have to be considered when…

Cut 8 (09) “…aligned.” 

And because the festival is such a big draw, not just for music fans, Davis says some of the acts who aren’t even touring are coming to specifically play JazzFest.

While Mardi Gras and conventions are huge economic drivers for the Big Easy, JazzFest is right up there with them.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and state.”

For tickets and to view the full line-up visit NOjazzfest-dot-com

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee votes for a proposed Congressional district map that makes Republican Garret Graves’ district a second Black majority district in Louisiana. A federal judge has ordered the Louisiana Legislature to draw a map with two majority-minority districts. Catahoula Senator Glen Womack says his bill does that and it also…

Cut 10 (12) “…Scalise.”

Womack admits his map is politically drawn so House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Scalise, and US Representatives Clay Higgins and Julia Letlow will be re-elected for the remainder of the decade.

Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain does not like the map, because Graves’ district crosses the state diagonally so that black neighborhoods in Shreveport are connected with Black communities in Baton Rouge….

Cut 11 (11) “…zig zagging.” 

New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says this map is likely their best option

Cut 12 (15) “…support from.” 

The map was amended in committee, so it will need full House and Senate approval before heading to the governor’s desk. The amended version of the map puts all of Calcasieu Parish in Speaker Johnson’s district and all of Ouachita Parish in Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s district. East Baton Rouge and Rapides are split between three different districts.

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State lawmakers have begun filing bills for the regular session that starts in March and north Louisiana Republican Danny McCormick has already filed his legislation to allow non-felons, 18 and over to conceal carry a firearm without a permit. McCormick’s measure ran into trouble in the state Senate last year…

Cut 13 (07) “…constitutional carry bill.”

This is the fifth consecutive year McCormick has authored a conceal carry bill. In 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the bill. McCormick pulled it from consideration last year after the Senate started to heavily amend the legislation.

Currently, Louisiana residents need a permit to conceal carry, and to obtain the permit, a person must undergo firearm training. McCormick argues a gun owner can legally open carry in Louisiana and training is not required…

Cut 14 (08) “…their right.” 

McCormick describes his legislation as a constitutional carry bill…

Cut 15 (11) …God Given right.“

58-year-old Kenneth Ary of Walker and 21-year-old Helen Ary of Tomball, Texas were found dead at the scene. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says a Walker police officer who lived near the shooting got to the scene quickly…

Cut 13 (10) “…this situation” 

22-year-old Kennetra Ary was arrested for allegedly shooting her father and sister.

Blood donations have dropped to critical levels in Louisiana. Since the pandemic. Ochsner Health has seen a 40% drop in blood donations, with more people working from home and blood drives at schools and the workplace not as routine as they were in the past. Spokesperson for The Blood Center, Paul Adams, says donating blood has its perks; you’ll learn your blood type and they can check your cholesterol and iron levels…

Cut 5 (07) “…three lives.” 

To find a blood drive near you in southeast Louisiana visit TheBloodCenter-dot-org or reach out to your local hospital to find their local supplier.

The Line up for Jazz Fest is out. The dates this year are April 25^th through the 28^th and May 2^nd through the 5^th. NOLA.com and Times-Picayune Entertainment Writer Keith Spera says it’s kind of a bonus JazzFest this year with eight days at the Fairgrounds versus seven.

Cut 8 (13) “…top to bottom.” 

Weekend passes and VIP Packages are also on sale now. For the full line-up visit NOjazzfest.org

Tragic House fires are far too common especially in the cold weather. There have been 38 home fires across Louisiana in just the last four days. Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross, Ed Bush says, one thing can make the difference in your survival….

Cut 10 (10) “…out safely.” 

The Red Cross will install a smoke detector free of charge if you ask.

A 22-year-old woman is behind bars in Livingston Parish after allegedly fatally shooting her father and sister. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 22-year-old Kennetra Ary killed two of her family members at a mobile home near Walker…

Cut 12 (13)  “…their lives”  

In the first 18 days of 2024 there have been 131 fires across Louisiana and in the last four days, 38. Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross, Ed Bush says during these cold days keep safe by keeping space heaters and other heat producing electric items away from flammables in your home…

Cut 9 (08) “…inside the house.” 

The Foo Fighters and Chris Stapleton are among the headliners for JazzFest this year, that’s in addition to The Rolling Stones. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The great Cajun and Country Musician, Jo El Sonnier will be laid to rest Saturday in Sulphur Louisiana. Sonnier died on Saturday January 13^th while on tour. He had just received a standing ovation moments before suffering a massive heart attack. Sonnier brought Cajun music to the world and won a Grammy and was nominated 4 times. He was also an American Country Music Vocalist of the year nominee and member of seven music halls of fame.

Blood donations have dropped to critical levels in Louisiana. Spokesperson for The Blood Center, Paul Adams, says a combination of things has led to a lull in supply, the holidays, carnival season, and the cold weather.

Cut 3 (12) “…blood supply.”

Adams says they like to have a supply of 3 to 5 days on hand but at the moment it’s down to one day.

The line-up for JazzFest is out and in addition to The Rolling Stones headlining, the Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, and Queen Latifah are also on the bill. NOLA.com and Times-Picayune Entertainment Writer Keith Spera says they’ve also got some of the fresher younger bands playing.

Cut 6 (12) “…this year.” 

State Wildlife is holding the first of three meetings to receive public input on the proposed return of a black bear hunting season tonight. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Jeff Landry is backing a congressional map that makes Republican Garret Graves’ sixth district the second Black voting district. Louisiana’s lone Black Congressman Troy Carter says the governor and the legislature are doing the right thing…

Cut 11 (05) “…African American districts.”

The map Landry supports is up for a vote in the Senate today. Graves calls it a crazy proposal because it runs from Baton Rouge to Shreveport.

As legislators debate changing to closed-party primary elections, US Senator Bill Cassidy worries the change will disenfranchise the state’s approximately 800-thousand Independent voters. The Republican also believes if the system isn’t broken don’t try to fix it and that taxpayers shouldn’t pick up the tab.

Cut 13 (07) “…you pay for it.” 

In recent town hall meetings, Cassidy says voters are concerned about the possibility of change.

The Bayou State is coming out of a deep freeze but don’t put away your hats and gloves just yet.  Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says to look for a short break from the freeze…

Cut 6 (08) “…on Friday.” 

Tonight, expect temperatures in the 20s north of I-10 and in the lower 30s in the southern part of the state.

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, which is the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.

Cut 3 (11) “…State University.”

As legislators debate changing to closed-party primary elections, US Senator Bill Cassidy believes it’s a waste of money.  A fiscal note on the legislation quotes a $10 million figure for the 2024-25 fiscal year and $6 million for the following fiscal year. Cassidy references a $90 million tab that one pollster says the change will cost taxpayers.

Cut 12 (08)  “…on here.”  

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson believes the Louisiana Legislature should not draw a new Congressional map. Jeff Palermo reports the Bossier Parish Republican says the state should press for a trial on the current map…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, the largest in the school’s history. The Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the atrium in the new building will be named after The Brady Family, thanks to their recent donation. He says they hope these donations will inspire others.

Cut 5 (11) “…new facility.” 

Louisiana is thawing out today and expected to warm up into the mid 60’s Thursday but Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says After the quick reprieve, expect a frigid weekend says Lockwood…

Cut 7 (08) “…I-10 corridor.” 

Expect warmer temperatures next week.

U-S District Judge Shelly Dick ruled the congressional map the Louisiana Legislature approved in 2022 violates the Voting Rights Act, because only one of the six districts provides an avenue for a Black candidate to get elected.

U S House Speaker Mike Johnson says there should be a full blown trial on Louisiana’s current map, but Attorney General Liz Murrill says they have to follow Judge Dick’s order to draw a new map by January 30th…

Cut 10 (10) “…my remedies” 

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.

Cut 4 (11) “…Business Administration.”

Louisiana is looking at warmer temperatures up to the mid-60s Thursday but Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says another cold snap rolling in Friday will drop temperatures into the 20s again for North Louisiana by Saturday morning but as far as snow and freezing rain, Lockwood says…

Cut 8 (10) “…next week.” 

Lockwood says warmer weather, up into the 60s is coming next week.

At the special session, the first map to receive approval from the House Governmental Affairs Committee is a redesign of the seven-district Louisiana Supreme Court district map. Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal John Michael Gray spoke in favor of the map

Cut  14 (14) “..re-election”

There is also a proposal to add two more districts to the Louisiana Supreme Court map to increase voting power in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

The frigid temperatures are causing problems with some water treatment facilities and several communities across Louisiana are under boil advisories. The town of Vivian, the Village of Elizabeth, Junction community and all customers served by Beauregard Parish Waterworks District 6, Basile, and Oberlin are currently advised to boil water by bringing it to a rolling boil for a full one minute then allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Authorities recommend boiling water before consuming it, making ice, brushing teeth and rinsing anything that will be consumed. If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, check with water provider.

There are numerous road closures in the Bayou State after an arctic cold front swept across the country Monday creating hazardous conditions. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says Because elevated roads and bridges ice over first, DOTD crews in conjunction with State Police worked throughout the day and overnight…

Cut 4 (10) “…US-51.”

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge after a single vehicle wreck led to a massive traffic jam. Westlake Police Chief Chrstopher Wilrye says the driver involved in the single vehicle wreck lost his life after either jumped or fell off the bridge…

Cut 9 (12) “…events yesterday.” 

The Special Legislative session to redraw congressional maps got underway Monday and The House Governmental Affairs Committee has approved a map proposed by Pineville Representative Mike Johnson. The proposal keeps District 7 in New Orleans as a majority-Black district. District two would be the second majority-Black District stretching from Monroe through the Delta Parishes into Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports this redrawing…

Cut 13 (06) “…possible fix” 

Three Natchitoches police officers are recovering from injuries after attempting to arrest 25-year-old Lakendra Bolton who allegedly tried to steal from Super One Foods yesterday afternoon. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says one of the officers was injured when she rammed a police-vehicle head on. He says all three officers injured were transported to local hospitals.

Cut 7 (10) “…the hospital.” 

There are numerous road closures in the Bayou State after an arctic cold front swept across the country Monday creating hazardous conditions. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says even though crews began applying brine and salt to roadways Monday afternoon…

Cut 3 (12) “…our drivers.”

Windy and cold weather continues to grip Louisiana. Bill Jacquemin has the latest on the weather warnings…

Cut 2 (35)  “…untreated surfaces”