The 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest has unveiled its lineup, and it features some of the biggest names in music. Festival producer Quint Davis says there are no shortage of acts to grab the attention of festival enthusiasts. Pop superstar Katy Perry will perform during the first weekend of the festival and a legendary act rumored is now confirmed….

Cut 6 (07) “…The Rolling Stones.”

Davis says the rest of the US tour for the Stones has been sold out for months, but says locals will get the first opportunity to buy tickets this week.

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 his office is conducting its own investigation into the tragedy.

Cut 3 (10) “…discovered”

When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Falcons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” And if the Saints power past the Rams for this Sunday’s NFC Championship clash, they’ll be taking that trip to Atlanta. New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s a wonderful city, and luckily for the Black and Gold Nation, easy to get to.

Cut 10 (09) “…bus services.”

Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says s when State Fire Marshal investigators arrived, local firefighters were still extinguishing the fire

Cut 14 (12) “…92nd birthday.”

The blaze started around 3:15 Monday afternoon.

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.

When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Flacons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s all in good fun.

Cut 9, 11 seconds, Saints

Bottoms also added “I know there’s going to be a bounty on my head for saying that”, as she reportedly smiled.

The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffet, Santana, and others will headline The 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest. Festival producer Quint Davis says, yes that rumor about the Stones headlining the half century celebration was absolutely true, and he’s looking forward to having Mick and crew back in town.

Cut 6 (07) “…The Rolling Stones.”

Earth Wind and Fire, Van Morrison, Pitbull, Bob Segar, Trombone Shorty, and others highlight the list.

If you are looking forward to trying some great new Louisiana craft beers, the government shutdown is slowing down the release of those brews. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

So Saints fans will have to settle for an old familiar brew for the Sunday contest, where the Black and Gold are favored by 3.5 points over the LA Rams.

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 responsible in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says it’s crucial to have the investigation into the tragedy begin today.

Cut 3, 10 seconds, discovered

Eagles Express Lines and New Prime, have been named in the suit, along with their two drivers who died in the crash.

Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says Food stamp benefits for February are coming early for Louisiana residents, and recipients can expect their SNAP funds this week.

Cut 7 (09) “…100% federally funded.”

But added, beyond February, there’s a great deal of uncertainty.

The federal government shutdown is impacting the craft beer business in Louisiana as the industry is heavily regulated by the feds. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says brewers are not able to get product labels approved during the shutdown, so some of the seasonal beers are being put on hold.

Cut 10 (09) “…back a bit.”

Reports say that for at least one moment in Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels, but Southeastern Louisiana communications Professor Joe Burns says it’s likely that reported 128 Db was only a momentary spike, and not a prolonged period that could result in hearing damage. Still, if you’re bringing your children to the Rams NFC Championship clash this Sunday, he has a suggestion….

Cut 15 (11) “….to you”

As the federal government shutdown continues, the focus of food stamp recipients turns to what they can expect as the SNAP program is federally funded. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says there is uncertainty as to what happens with the program beyond February.
Cut 8 (09) “…anything about March.”

February benefits are coming this week.

The shutdown is also impacting the craft beer business in Louisiana as the industry is heavily regulated by the feds. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says some of the new breweries that were hoping to have opened in the time since the shutdown, but now they are at a standstill.

Cut 11 (10) “…45 days delayed.”
Reports say that for at least one moment in Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels. Southeastern Louisiana communications professor Joe Burns says it’s a remarkable feat, saying sound for the Essence Fest, which also takes place at the dome, has their maximum sound level set far below what Saints fans accomplished.

Cut 14 (11) “…that’s insane.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser laid out the Office of Tourism’s goals for 2019 in a speech at the Baton Rouge Press Club. Nungesser says he wants to build on international tourism. Nungesser is also looking at ways to bring in more dollars to help improve tourist destinations like state parks. He says there are around 15 public-private partnerships near completion, but before they can be finalized he needs the legislature’s help.
Cut 5 (09) “…do.”

President Trump spoke at the American Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans today and made his case on why a border wall is needed. Congressional Democrats have refused to go along with spending 5-point-7 billion dollars to build a physical barrier between the U-S and Mexico. Mr. Trump says Democratic leadership is playing politics

Cut 7 (11) “Congressional election”

There were several hundred demonstrators outside of the Morial Convention Center where the president spoke.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the flu is on the upswing as five percent of doctor visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms.  Louisiana is among several hotspots in the southeast.  LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch ays if someone hasn’t gotten a flu shot by now, they haven’t missed the boat.

Cut 11 (08) “…be fully protected.”

Shreveport attorney and state representative Alan Seabaugh says he’s abandoning his quest to become a federal judge in favor of seeking re-election to the legislature, and then run to be the next House Speaker. Seabaugh says he hopes John Bel Edwards will be pushed out of the Governor’s Mansion in the 2019 election, so that the next speaker can focus on passing Republican priority legislation. But, when asked if the Democratic governor does win reelection, if he would be willing to work in a bi-partisan fashion…

Cut 5 (07) “…three years”

The Humane Society of Louisiana says there is a rise in horse abuse cases throughout the state.  H-S-L Director Jeff Dorson says rarely does a day go by the animal protection group doesn’t get a call about one or more horses being mistreated, estimating they deal with at least a thousand cases annually.

Cut 12 (09)   “…actually delicate creatures.” 

President Trump spoke at the American Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans today and promised to iron out trade deals that will be benefical for farmers. Mr. Trump says these new deals will make it easier to trade with Canada and other countries where  it’s currently difficult to do so

Cut 6 (08) “…immediately”

There were several hundred demonstrators outside of the Morial Convention Center where the president spoke.

LSU star linebacker Devin White posted a video on Twitter announcing that he’s forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. White made his announcement on the final day underclassmen had to declare their intentions. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says White wrestled with the decision…

Cut 15 (11) “…staying”

White is the first player from LSU to win the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s best linebacker.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, five percent of doctors’ visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Kevin Barnhart”  

A Thibeaux High School student is under arrest after allegedly threating fellow students that he would bring a firearm to the campus. 18-year-old Cameron Boudreaux has been charged with Cyberstalking in relation to the incident. Authorities say Boudreaux had been threatening several boys and girls at the school through social media, including a death threat. An investigation is ongoing while Boudreaux remains in custody on a 10,000 dollar bond.

President Trump spoke at the American Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans today where he made his case on why a border wall is needed. Congressional Democrats have refused to go along with spending 5-point-7 billion dollars to build a physical barrier between the U-S and Mexico. Mr. Trump says Democratic leadership is playing politics

Cut 7 (11) “Congressional election”

There were several hundred demonstrators outside of the Morial Convention Center where the president spoke.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the flu is on the upswing as five percent of doctor visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms. LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says right after the holidays is when an upswing in flu takes place as Louisiana has the perfect storm for spreading the illness.

Cut 10 (06) “…Mardi Gras activities.”

Louisiana has been declared a flu “hotspot”.

The Humane Society of Louisiana says there is a rise in horse abuse cases throughout the state.  H-S-L Director Jeff Dorson says rarely does a day go by the animal protection group doesn’t get a call about one or more horses being mistreated. Dorson says part of the issue is an endless cycle from the horse racing industry with an oversupply of horses being turned over to new owners without the proper credentials to care for the animals.

Cut 13 (12) “…one or two.”

LSU star linebacker Devin White posted a video on Twitter announcing that he’s forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. LSU lost three underclassmen to the NFL draft, White, cornerback Greedy Williams and defensive tackle Ed Alexander. But Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the Tigers should still be good on defense next season, even at linebacker

Cut 16 (12) “…linebacker group.”

President Donald Trump is in New Orleans this hour speaking at the American Farm Bureau Convention.

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says he’s abandoning his quest to become a federal judge in favor of seeking re-election to the legislature, and running to be the next Speaker of the House. Seabuagh, one of the most conservative members of the House, opposed the tax plan that funded state government in the last session, and says he would bring that same mentality to the leadership position.

Cut 3, 10 seconds, priorities

The Humane Society of Louisiana says the organization is seeing a rise in horse abuse cases throughout the state.  Director of the organization, Jeff Dorson, says rarely does a day go by the animal protection group doesn’t get a call about one or more horses being mistreated.

Cut 12 (09)   “…actually delicate creatures.” 

The Saints are heading to the NFC Championship game after beating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 20-14. New Orleans climbed back from an early 14-to-0 deficit for a hard fought six point win in front of a jubilant Superdome crowd. Quarterback Drew Brees threw an interception on his first pass, after that he threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns. The first T-D pass came in the second quarter on fourth and goal to Keith Kirkwood, the second went to Michael Thomas to cap off a massive 18-play, 92-yard drive in the third quarter. Brees on the importance of going ahead at that time

Cut 9 (12) “…get the win″

President Donald Trump is in New Orleans today to speak at the American Farm Bureau Convention. Rice and soybean farmers say the tariffs and now the government shutdown have hurt their ability to make money off their crop. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says despite the tariff issues, he expects the crowd to welcome the President.

Cut 13 (12) “…hurting some farmers.”

This is Trump’s first visit to New Orleans since a 2016 campaign stop.

LSU linebacker Devin White has announced in a video clip posted to Twitter that he is entering the 2019 NFL Draft.  He finishes he career as a Tiger with 286 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 34 games.

Eric Prudholm was serving a life sentence for an aggravated rape and armed robbery that happened in a Bossier City motel in 1981, but he’s now a free man, after a DNA test of bed linens and the victim’s nightgown led to the courts deciding his original conviction and sentence should be vacated. Innocence Project New Orleans Executive Director Jee Park says Prudholm, now 58, will receive no compensation for his time, but he is hoping to land a job in food service.

Cut 12 (11) “…many many years.”

A report from Rockefeller Institute of Government finds that Louisiana gets back a $1.52 in federal dollars for every one dollar of taxes paid to the federal government. It resulted in about a 17-billion dollar net gain in federal dollars for Louisiana in 2017…
cut 5 (10) “…two programs”
That’s the director of the fiscal analysis Laura Schultz.