Two identical Congressional district maps that maintain one majority-minority district are headed to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
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It’s a big Mardi Gras parade weekend. Brooke Thorington reports the city of New Orleans is ready to let the good times roll…
Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The state Legislature has approved two identical Congressional District maps, but not without significant opposition. The maps contain one majority-minority district, despite calls from Black lawmakers a second one should be drawn, because the Black population has grown to 33-percent. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson…
Cut 3 (10) “..fairly.”
But Slidell Republican and Chairwoman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Sharon Hewitt says they looked at adding another majority-minority district but based on the Census data the Black population is not concentrated enough to have two Black majority voting districts
Cut 4 (12) “…upset.”
While Republican lawmakers were also upset that the Congressional map splits Grant Parish in half between the fourth and fifth districts and St. Mary Parish between the first and sixth districts. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment represents Grant Parish…
Cut 5 (09) “…ask me”
Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says St. Mary Parish officials are not happy with having two different Congressmen…
Cut 6 (12) “…sent me”
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We’re in the thick of Mardi Gras season and New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says you can’t underestimate the economic, cultural, emotional, and impact of Mardi Gras 2022. Schulz says there’s plenty of pent-up demand to return to the beloved tradition of carnival season.
Cut 7 (10) “…forward to.”
Schulz says people were lining up as early as 8 o’clock Friday morning along parade routes for the evening parades.
In addition to anticipation from locals, Schulz says hotel-wise things are indicative of a good turnout from tourists.
Cut 8 (10) “…to New Orleans.”
And Schulz says that’s also a good indicator of strong turnout for festival season.
In addition to hotel occupancy increasing Schulz says King Cake sales are off the charts this year and bakeries are having a hard time keeping up with demand.
Cut 9 (12) “…activities.”
Schulz says hotel occupancy is also in the 80-percent range for next weekend thru Fat Tuesday, but they are hoping that will increase.
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The Krewe of Janus (Janice) rolls Saturday night in Monroe and there’s plenty of excitement for the return of the parade that’s been a staple of the Twin Cities, Monroe, and West Monroe, since 1984. Throws Lieutenant Hailey Kenly says they are prepared with 3.5 million throws for attendees, especially youngsters.
Cut 10 (10) “…super fun.”
The theme of this year’s parade is Janus Goes to Hollywood. Kenly says the King and Queen’s floats shave specialty throws that are quite collectible.
Cut 11 (08) “….to have.”
Kenly says it was extremely emotional having to cancel last year’s parade and so that makes this year’s event even more special. As Throws Lieutenant for the Krewe of Janus, Kenly is in charge of ordering and distributing throws and knows firsthand there’s more than three million to catch from 28 floats, so be well prepared to carry your loot home.
Cut 12 (07) “..great things.”
The Krewe of Janus will roll Saturday at 6 PM.
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At last year’s NFL Draft, not a single player from a Historically Black College or University was taken, with only one being selected in 2020. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, created by Grambling football legends James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, seeks to change that. Williams says that the game will be a showcase for scouts to check out some great undiscovered talent.
Cut 13 (15) “…see the players.”
The game is Saturday at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium, and the players have had a full week of practices along with other events. One is a job fair featuring more than 40 companies. He says he understands that most won’t make an NFL roster, so providing real post-graduate employment options for these players is an essential part of the game’s mission.
Cut 14 (13) “…they wanna do.”
First and foremost this game is about opportunity. With 98 draft-eligible players taking the field at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium tomorrow and more than two dozen NFL scouts expected to be in attendance, Williams is excited about the possibility of the Legacy Bowl helping pro dreams become a reality.
Cut 15 (17) “…that they need.”
The game airs live on the NFL Network starting at 3 pm.
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