A star-studded lineup will take the stages at the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Nike announces a first-of-its-kind partnership with LSU – and it’s the athletes who win. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Ouachita Parish is seeking to avenge its week-four loss to Ruston in the Prep Classic tomorrow. Jeff Palermo is in the Superdome with a preview of the matchup.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Eagles, Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart are among the headliners announced for the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Producer and Director Quint Davis says Jazz Fest will also be a homecoming for Lainey Wilson.

Cut 4 (08) “…real roots Louisiana.”

Davis says despite the name of the festival, the music goes well beyond jazz – five-thousand musicians will be performing on 14 stages during the eight-day festival, and nearly all genres of music are represented.

Cut 5 (06) “…a blues tent.”

The 2026 Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course April 23rd through May 3rd, but not the Monday through Wednesday in between. Davis says what makes Jazz Fest unique is that it takes place during daytime hours.

Cut 6 (07) “…boogie around town.”

Tickets go on sale today; and the best part for Louisiana residents is that for the second year in a row, we get to pay less! We get special Louisiana resident discounts across all price points.

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Nike announces a new NIL venture, and it has chosen LSU as the first school to partner with. Nike, along with other equipment manufacturers, have been partnering with university athletic departments for decades. But Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program is the first to partner with the athletes themselves. Zach Greenwell, LSU’s deputy athletic director for external affairs, says Nike is partnering with ten athletes on a very extensive campaign to promote Nike products.

Cut 7 (12) “…our roll-out.”

Among the ten athletes in the initial class are Trey’Dez Green, Derek Curiel and gymnast Kailin Chio. Greenwell says Nike is working with them on product that they like, and they’re promoting products on the Nike store that’s specific to them and their respective sports.

Cut 8 (12) “…place to start.”

Greenwell says it’s a tremendous honor for LSU to be the first school that Nike selected for its new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the next level.”

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The LHSAA Prep Classic in New Orleans features five teams from the Monroe area. The Jena Giants are playing for their first state championship today as they take on the defending champion Sterlington Panthers. Aaron Dietrich, the sports director at KNOE-TV, says the support in LaSalle Parish has taken off.

Cut 10 (14) “…for Jay Roark.”

Sterlington, meanwhile, is looking to win its second straight state title and its fourth since 2016. The Panthers are averaging over 46 points a game thanks to an effective run game. Dietrich says Sterlington may have the best rushing offense in the entire state.

Cut 11 (08) “…that is amazing.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Ouachita Parish is back in the state championship game for the first time since 1994. The Lions will face Ruston tomorrow at noon in a district rematch from week six, when the Bearcats beat the Lions 21-14. Dietrich says the Lion faithful will be out in full force in New Orleans.

Cut 12 (12) “…towards New Orleans.”

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As Operation Catahoula Crunch expands from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is expressing concerns about its impact. Nungesser says not only does the enhanced immigration enforcement operation have immigrant communities on edge, but it could have an adverse effect on the biggest sector of New Orleans’ economy.

Cut 13 (09)  “…questioned or harassed.”

Nungesser says he would like to see something different than Operation Catahoula Crunch.

Cut 14 (07) “…the whole community.”

While the Department of Homeland Security and Governor Landry have repeatedly stated that the goal of Operation Catahoula Crunch is to arrest, in their words, “the worst of the worst criminals,” records show that only a fraction of the people detained in the operation so far have any criminal records. Nungesser says lawmakers need to come together to come up with a common sense solution in dealing with people who are undocumented and have otherwise committed no other crimes.

Cut 15 (13) “…and deporting them.”

Governor Landry’s spokeswoman, Kate Kelly, says Nungesser’s words are, in her words, “disappointing,” saying that when Americans commit crimes, they are held accountable and face jail time, and the same standard should apply to everyone.

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LSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will be in New Orleans tomorrow to play in the Compete 4 Cause Classic doubleheader. Women’s coach Kim Mulkey is set to face Louisiana Tech for the first time since becoming the coach at LSU. Mulkey says coaching against her alma mater will bring plenty of emotions.

Cut 16 (17) “…will never dissolve.”

Tip-off at the Smoothie King Center is at 5 p.m.

The LSU men’s basketball team will face SMU afterwards. The Tigers are coming off an ugly loss to Texas Tech, and head coach Matt McMahon says the team has to do better moving forward, starting with the offensive side of the ball.

Cut 17 (13)  “…three-point shot.”

Tipoff between the Tigers and Mustangs is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.

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The Saints are coming off a big 24-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 124 yards and rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Shough says he is growing more confident with each game he plays and credits it to the preparation he’s put in.

Cut 18 (16)  “…from that preparation.”

Shough’s 55 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Bucs may have surprised some people, but not Shough. Shough says he has always had the ability to run the ball and wants to make sure he keeps defenses on their toes.

Cut 19 (15) “…as I can.”

The Saints host the Panthers Sunday. Kickoff is at 3:25.

A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy to redirect Affordable Care Act subsidies to patients in the form of health savings accounts has failed in the Senate. Cassidy said his goal was to come up with a solution that works for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Cut 16 (13) “…an A solution.”

The vote was 51-to-48, falling nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to advance.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry has announced that all six voting system vendors that her office tested earlier this year passed certification. It comes as the office is working to select a new voting system to replace the current one they say is outdated. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the office did not reach out to the vendors; the vendors reached out to the office.

Cut 3 (08) “…answered that invitation.”

Tomorrow, North DeSoto and Iowa will take the field, each with a chance to win the first state championship in school history. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Also tomorrow, St. Charles Catholic and Archbishop Shaw compete for the Division Two select title. St. Charles Catholic coach Wayne Stein says last year after the Comets finished 4-and-7 they did some soul searching.

Cut 13 (15)  “…to happen again.”

The LSU Board of Supervisors approved contracts for several new football coaches today, including head coach Lane Kiffin, defensive coordinator Blake Baker, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., tight ends coach Joe Cox, offensive line coach Eric Wolford, wide receivers coach George McDonald, quarterbacks coach Dane Stevens, and strength and conditioning coach Nick Savage.

LSU freshman cornerback DJ Pickett was named to the SEC Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team after recording 30 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions.

LSU Athletics and Nike have announced an extension to their five-decade-long partnership through 2036, Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry announced on Thursday. In addition to the school extending its partnership, Nike has signed a total of 10 LSU athletes across seven different sports, which include Kailin Chio of gymnastics, Derek Curiel and Casan Evans of baseball, Tori Edwards and Jayden Heavener of softball, DJ Thomas of basketball, ZaKiyah Johnson of basketball and Jurnee Robinson of volleyball.

The Haynesville Golden Tornadoes became the first Louisiana High School team to bring home a state title this year after they defeated Mangham in a thriller by a score of 39-37 in the Division 4 non-select championship game. Four-star safety and LSU signee Isaiah Washington rushed for 86 yards with two touchdowns and had an 81-yard pick-six. With the win, Haynesville now has 18 total state championships in school history.

The LHSAA Prep Classic is underway and runs through the end of Saturday. Tomorrow’s first matchup of the day features a Division 2 non-select matchup between the North Desoto Griffins and Iowa Yellow Jackets. North Desoto senior quarterback Luke Delafield led the Griffins to the state championship game as a freshman in 2022. Delafield returns to the Dome as a senior and has the chance to bring North Desoto its first football title in school history. Delafield says he’s stoked to be back in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…super excited.”

Kickoff in New Orleans tomorrow is at noon.

Voting system vendors seeking certification by the State of Louisiana batted a thousand. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

An East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicted five people yesterday in connection with the alleged hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson.  Wilson was a mechanical engineering major and played the trumpet for the Human jukebox.  He died February 27^th.  His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in September.

It’s been a very successful season for Christmas tree farms throughout the state this year. Kevin Steele, who owns Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, in Washington Parish, says business was brisk this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…on the farm.”

Tomorrow at the LHSAA Prep Classic, two teams who have never won a state championship meet in the Superdome for the Division 2 non-select title. The Iowa Yellow Jackets will face the North DeSoto Griffin’s fire-powered offense, which is led by quarterback Luke Delafield. Iowa coach Tommy Johns says his defense has come up when it’s mattered most this season and believes they can continue to do so.

Cut 10 (12) “…and it shows.”

A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy to redirect Affordable Care Act subsidies to patients in the form of health savings accounts has failed. The vote in the Senate was 51-to-48, falling nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Republican Rand Paul joined all Democrats in voting no. Before the vote, Cassidy responded to criticism that his plan amounted to what they call “junk insurance.”

Cut 15 (09) “…one we’re using.”

Cassidy said his goal is to come up with a solution that works for everyone

Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that all six voting system vendors tested earlier this year passed certification. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says now Secretary Landry will either put out a request for proposals or an invitation to negotiate at some point next year. The office will then select one system that will be used by every voter in the state.

Cut 5 (09) “…same voting system.”

The LHSAA Prep Classic is underway and tomorrow two Division 2 non-select teams North Desoto Griffins and the Iowa Yellow Jackets will vie for their first ever state championship. North DeSoto’s quarterback Luke Delafield led the Griffins to the state championship game as a freshman in 2022. He returns to the Dome as a senior and says he’s stoked to be back in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…super excited.”

Kick off is at noon.

Also tomorrow, St. Charles Catholic will take on Archbishop Shaw for the title in Division Two select.

The two teams met in November with St. Charles Catholic winning 24-0.  coach Wayne Stein says he knows that the Comets will be facing a very different Eagles team tomorrow night.

Cut 14 (11) “…be the champion.”

Kickoff is scheduled for seven p-m.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that all six of the voting system vendors that reached out to the state passed the state’s certification. Joel Watson, with the Secretary of State’s Office, says that shows they are all committed to secure elections.

Cut 4 (09) “…the procurement process.”

Nancy Landry is working to replace the state’s voting system that she says is outdated.

The previous year’s weather made shopping for a Christmas tree on a Christmas tree farm very nice this year and owner of Steele’s Christmas Tree farm, Kevin Steele, while it’s difficult to predict the future, given the weather we had this year and the current condition of the trees, it’s shaping up to be a successful season next year too.

Cut 8 (09) “…expect any hiccups.”

Tomorrow, North DeSoto and Iowa High School compete for the first state championship in either school’s history. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Also tomorrow, St. Charles Catholic and Archbishop Shaw compete for the Division Two select title. St. Charles Catholic coach Wayne Stein says last year after the Comets finished 4-and-7 they did some soul searching.

Cut 13 (15)  “…to happen again.”

Voting system vendors seeking certification by the State of Louisiana batted a thousand. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Tomorrow, North DeSoto and Iowa will take the field, each with a chance to win the first state championship in school history. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Secretary of State Nancy Landry has announced that all six voting system vendors that her office tested earlier this year passed certification. It comes as the office is working to select a new voting system to replace the current outdated one. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the office did not reach out to the vendors; the vendors reached out to the office.

Cut 3 (08) “…answered that invitation.”

Watson says the fact that all six vendors passed certification is a testament to their commitment to playing a role in secure elections.

Cut 4 (09) “…the procurement process.”

Watson says now that all six systems will go through the procurement process, Secretary Landry will either put out a request for proposals or an invitation to negotiate at some point next year, and the office will ultimately select one system that will be used by every voter in the state.

Cut 5 (09) “…same voting system.”

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It’s been a very successful season for Christmas tree farms throughout the state this year. Kevin Steele, who owns Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, in Washington Parish, says business was brisk this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…on the farm.”

Steele says those who bought trees got excellent quality trees this year.

Cut 7 (07) “…are very healthy.”

Steele says while it’s always difficult to predict the future, given the weather we had this year and the current condition of the trees, it’s shaping up to be a successful season next year too.

Cut 8 (09) “…expect any hiccups.”

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The LHSAA Prep Classic is underway and runs through Saturday. Tomorrow opens with a Division 2 non-select matchup between the North Desoto Griffins and the Iowa Yellow Jackets. Iowa head coach Tommy Johns says playing in the state championship for the first time in school history is special.

Cut 9 (10)  “…truly meant.”

The Yellow Jackets will be tasked with facing North DeSoto’s fire-powered offense, which is led by quarterback Luke Delafield. Johns says his defense has come up when it’s mattered most this season and believes they can continue to do so.

Cut 10 (12) “…and it shows.”

Delafield led the Griffins to the state championship game as a freshman in 2022. He returns to the Dome as a senior and says he’s stoked to be back in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…super excited.”

North DeSoto’s offense is averaging over 53 points a game. Delafield says the offense has all the ability in the world to execute; but he says in order to beat Iowa, the Griffins have to limit turnovers.

Cut 12 (15) “…something like that.”

The Griffins and Yellow Jackets kick off at noon tomorrow.

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In the nightcap of day two of the 2025 LHSAA Prep Classic tomorrow, St. Charles Catholic will take on Archbishop Shaw for the title in Division Two select. St. Charles Catholic coach Wayne Stein says the Comets did a lot of soul searching after finishing last season with a record of 4-and-7.

Cut 13 (15)  “…to happen again.”

The two teams met in the regular season finale back on November 7th, with St. Charles Catholic winning 24-0. Coach Stein says he knows that the Comets will be facing a very different Eagles team tomorrow night.

Cut 14 (11) “…be the champion.”

Kickoff is scheduled for seven p-m.

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A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy to redirect Affordable Care Act subsidies to patients in the form of health savings accounts has failed. The vote in the Senate was 51-to-48, falling nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Republican Rand Paul joined all Democrats in voting no. Before the vote, Cassidy responded to Democratic criticism that his plan amounted to what they call “junk insurance.”

Cut 15 (09) “…one we’re using.”

Cassidy said his goal is to come up with a solution that works for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Cut 16 (13) “…an A solution.”

A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy to redirect Affordable Care Act subsidies to patients in the form of health savings accounts has failed in the Senate. Cassidy said his goal was to come up with a solution that works for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Cut 16 (13) “…an A solution.”

The vote was 51-to-48, falling nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to advance.

The LHSAA Prep Classic is underway and runs through Saturday. Tomorrow’s first matchup features Division 2 non-select the North Desoto Griffins and Iowa Yellow Jackets. Iowa head coach Tommy Johns says playing in the state championship for the first time in school history is special.

Cut 9 (10)  “…truly meant.”

Voting system vendors seeking certification by the State of Louisiana batted a thousand. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Those getting their Christmas trees from Christmas tree farms in Louisiana will find a nice selection this year. Kevin Steele, who owns Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, in Washington Parish, says the shoppers are getting excellent quality.

Cut 7 (07) “…are very healthy.”

He says the current weather points to a successful crop next year too.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry has announced that all six voting system vendors that her office tested earlier this year passed certification. It comes as the office is working to select a new voting system to replace the current outdated one. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the office did not reach out to the vendors; the vendors reached out to the office.

Cut 3 (08) “…answered that invitation.”

It’s been a very successful season for Christmas tree farms throughout the state this year. Kevin Steele, who owns Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, in Washington Parish, says business was brisk this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…on the farm.”

Steele says the trees were in excellent shape this year; and while it’s always hard to predict the future, the weather we had this year suggests that they’ll be in great shape next year too.

A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy to redirect Affordable Care Act subsidies to patients in the form of health savings accounts has failed. The vote in the Senate was 51-to-48, falling nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Republican Rand Paul joined all Democrats in voting no. Before the vote, Cassidy responded to Democratic criticism that his plan amounted to what they call “junk insurance.”

Cut 15 (09) “…one we’re using.”

Cassidy said his goal is to come up with a solution that works for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

LSU’s hiring of Lane Kiffin as its new head football coach is poised to yield a big economic impact for both the school and the City of Baton Rouge. Ever since LSU poached Kiffin from Ole Miss, the team has had more than 15-thousand new season ticket requests, as well as a large uptick in corporate partner and donor interest. LSU economics professor Dek Terrell says the real impact will come later.

Cut 10 (09) “…of that nature.”

LSU Athletics and Nike have announced an extension to their five-decade-long partnership through 2036, Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry announced on Thursday. In addition to the school extending its partnership, Nike has signed a total of 10 LSU athletes across seven different sports, which include Kailin Chio of gymnastics, Derek Curiel and Casan Evans of baseball, Tori Edwards and Jayden Heavener of softball, DJ Thomas of basketball, ZaKiyah Johnson of basketball and Jurnee Robinson of volleyball.

The LHSAA Prep Classic in the Superdome starts today. The second game of the day is a Division Four select matchup between the Riverside Rebels and the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs. Spencer Verrett of the LHSAA Network says the Rebels have an advantage at the line of scrimmage.

Cut 5 (12) “…defensive line operate.”

A new professional football team is coming to Monroe this summer. The city is getting a team in the Arena League. The new Monroe team will play its games at the Monroe Civic Center, and league owner Jeff Holmes says the games will feature some exciting entertainment to go along with the exciting football action.

Cut 15 (08) “…of that nature.”

The league is holding a name-the-team contest for Monroe’s newest professional sports franchise.

The New Orleans Pelicans return to action tonight as they face the Portland Trail Blazers at 7 p.m.