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.“

A 22-year-old Kennetra Ary is behind bars in Livingston Parish after allegedly fatally shooting her father and sister. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says it happened at a mobile home near Walker.

Cut 12 (13)  “…their lives”  

58-year-old Kenneth Ary of Walker and 21-year-old Helen Ary of Tomball, Texas were found dead at the scene.

So far this year there have been 131 house fires across Louisiana and in the last four days, 38. Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross, Ed Bush says their agency responds to house fires and provides comfort and financial assistance and he wishes everyone would have a plan and prepare for the possibility…

Cut 11 (09) “…emergency plan.”

The winter weather has pushed the state’s blood supply to a critical low level. Because of the cold and hazardous travel, blood donations have dropped this week. Spokesperson for the Blood Center, Paul Adams, says they like to have a supply of three to five days on hand, but at the moment it’s down to one day…
cut 4 (10) “…anybody”
Adams says reach out to your local hospital about donating blood.

Jazz Fest released its entire 2024 musical line-up today. It includes country music star Chris Stapleton, and rock bands the Foo Fighters and The Rolling Stones. Nola-dot-com Time -Picayune entertainment writer Keith Spera says there will also be tribute to the late Jimmy Buffet…
cut 7 (10) “…as well”
The dates this year are April 25th through the 28th and May 2nd through the 5th.

22-year-old Kennetra Ary is behind bars in Livingston Parish after allegedly fatally shooting her father and sister. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says Ary is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and was arrested at the scene, a mobile home near Walker…

Cut  14 (08) “…the moment.”

58-year-old Kenneth Ary of Walker and 21-year-old Helen Ary of Tomball, Texas were found dead at the scene.

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.”

There have been 38 home fires in Louisiana in just the last four days. Colleen Crain discusses fire response and safety…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain” 

The lineup for JazzFest is out and in addition to the Rolling Stones, the Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, and Queen Latifah are on the bill. And instead of seven days of music at the New Orleans fairgrounds this spring it will be eight days.  Visit NOjazzfest.com

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.

The state House approved a bill that would move Louisiana from an open primary system to closed party primaries for federal, state, legislative and certain judicial elections. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the sponsor of the bill..
cut 12 (10) “….general election ballot.
The House approved the bill on a 64 to 40 vote. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says there was a recent poll that showed the public favors the state’s unique jungle primary, where candidates from all parties are on the same primary ballot…
cut 13 (08) “….current primary system”
The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to debate this bill some more this afternoon. Governor Jeff Landry is pushing for a closed party primary system. He says southern states with a closed primary system are succeeding.

The winter weather has pushed the state’s blood supply to a critical low level. Because of the cold and hazardous travel, blood donations have dropped this week. Spokesperson for the Blood Center, Paul Adams, says they like to have a supply of three to five days on hand, but at the moment it’s down to one day…
cut 4 (10) “…anybody”
Adams says reach out to your local hospital about donating blood.

Jazz Fest released its entire 2024 musical line-up today. It includes country music star Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt and iconic rock band the Foo Fighters. Nola-dot-com entertainment writher Keith Speara says there will also be tribute to the late Jimmy Buffet…
cut 7 (10) “…as well”
The dates this year are April 25th through the 28th and May 2nd through the 5th.

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.”

The Louisiana Senate approved a new Congressional district map that makes Republican Garret Graves’ sixth district a black majority voting district by having it stretch from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Senator Glen Womack is the sponsor of this legislation…
cut 16 (10) “….the country”
It passed on a 27-11 vote and the House Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to vote on the map today.

Hunters interested hunting black bears in December can attend a public meeting at the West Monroe Convention Center tonight, hosted by LDWF. Humane Society of Louisiana president Jeff Dorson is pushing for a more humane approach when it comes to controlling the growing black bear population and encourages the state to follow Florida’s BearWise program…
Cut 10 (08) “…all about.”

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is suing the Biden Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service over their rule requiring skimmer trawl vessels to use Turtle Excluder Devices in Louisiana’s Inshore waters.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

The New Orleans JazzFest released its 2024 musical line-up today and your headliners are Chris Stapleton, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, and the rock band Foo Fighters. Bonnie Raitt, Earth Wind and Fire and Jon Batiste are also performing at the New Orleans Fair Grounds during the last weekend of April and first weekend of May. Previously announced, the Rolling Stones on May 2nd.

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would change congressional, statewide, legislative, and certain judicial elections to closed primaries. If it becomes law, the Republican and Democratic Party can set up a rule that says only registered voters of their party can vote in the primaries. Harahan Representative John Illg says he’s hearing from Independents who do not like this…

Cut 11 (04) “…left out.” 

Bill sponsor Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the political parties should have more of a say on which candidate ends up on the general election ballot…

Cut 12 (10) “…general election ballot.” 

Emerson’s bill passed on a 64-40 vote. A recent poll indicates 65% voters in the state strongly support or support the current open primary system.

The Louisiana Senate approves a redrawn Congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district currently held by Republican Garret Graves. Graves opposes the map because the map stretches his sixth district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly agrees this map makes no sense…

Cut 15 (15) …northwest Louisiana. “

The first of three meetings seeking public input on the return of a proposed black bear hunting season in Louisiana will be held tonight. Humane Society of Louisiana President Jeff Dorson believes bears shouldn’t be hunted and encourages those who agree to sign a petition and voice their opinion at the meetings.

Cut 8 (08) “…concerns.” 

Tonight’s meeting will be held at the West Monroe Convention Center.

The Louisiana House passes a bill that would shift the state from a jungle primary system to closed party primaries.
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has reappointed Doctor Cade Brumley as the state’s superintendent of education. BESE president Doctor Ronnie Morris says Brumley’s leadership has led to improved academic outcomes.

The Louisiana Senate approves a redrawn Congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district currently held by Republican Garret Graves. The map makes it easy for Republicans Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise and Julia Letlow to win re-election. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine on the importance of keeping Letlow in Washington D-C..
Cut 14 (11) “…our state”
A House committee will debate the bill this morning.

The first of three meetings seeking public input on the return of a proposed black bear hunting season in Louisiana will be held tonight. State Wildlife Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says potential hunters would enter a lottery for the ten tags and they must take a course.
Cut 7 (09) “…a male deer.”
The proposed season would be in December. Tonight’s meeting is in West Monroe.