Senator Bill Cassidy is calling for a full joint federal and state investigation into the events in Minneapolis that he described as “disturbing.” Andre Champagne reports.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
____________________________________________
Saturday’s Rockin’1000 concert in the Superdome will be like none other – and to accomplish that, organizers sought out a local heavy-hitter. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
____________________________________________
Ouachita Parish is trying to recover from a nasty ice storm, but local officials are impressed with the community’s resiliency. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
______________________________________________
The ice storm has Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents busy responding to calls for assistance. Captain Kenneth Balkom says LDWF agents have transported dozens of essential workers to and from their work at the Northeast Veterans Home in Monroe and the Northwest Veterans Home in Bossier City.
Cut 4 (03) “…for their residents.”
The ice and snow arrived in northwest Louisiana on Saturday. Balkom says they got a call that day about two 18-year-0ld duck hunters stuck in shallow water and mud in the Red River in Bossier Parish.
Cut 5 (06) “…them home safely.”
A LDWF agent also rescued three missing juveniles on the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday. The agent found three juveniles in a truck that was stuck.
Balkom says LDWF agents also conducted welfare checks on the drivers who were stranded for up to 20 hours in some cases on I-20. He says winter weather and Louisiana do not mix well.
Cut 6 (04) “…don’t have to.”
______________________________________________________
Senator Bill Cassidy is calling for a full joint federal and state investigation into the events in Minneapolis that he described as “disturbing.” In a conference call with reporters, Cassidy said things in Minneapolis have gotten out of hand.
Cut 7 (09) “…make an adaptation.”
On social media, Cassidy said the credibility of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security are at stake. He says it seems that they may have lost sight of the purpose of the enhanced immigration enforcement operation, and that could have a profound effect on President Trump’s legacy.
Cut 8 (12) “…that primary vision.”
Cassidy says the two deadly shootings at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis this month threaten to undo the positive effects of the whole operation.
Cut 9 (12) “…it to continue.”
______________________________________________________________
To put together its first U.S. show, the people of Rockin’1000 sought out a heavy-hitter – and they found one in New Orleans’ very own Harry Connick Junior. The legendary musician is serving as special guest artistic director for the show that will rock the Superdome Saturday night.
Cut 10 (09) “…to our city (2x).”
Rockin’1000 has staged concerts in stadiums throughout Europe for ten years, all featuring one-thousand musicians. Whereas prior shows feature the usual rock music staples of electric guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, drums and, of course, singers, Connick points out that this will be the first Rockin’1000 concert to feature a brass section.
Cut 11 (10) “…of our identity.”
As one might expect, Connick will be joining the band for a number or two – and Connick says he’s bringing some special guests to join the thousand.
Cut 12 (11) “…that are playing.”
Tickets are still available.
______________________________________________________________
The ice storm of 2026 will not be forgotten anytime soon. Governor Landry did an aerial tour of the damage in northeast Louisiana on Tuesday. Monroe Representative Michael Echols was on the helicopter with the governor.
Cut 13 (14) “…throughout northeast Louisiana.”
Much of East Carroll Parish, which is located at the northeastern tip of Louisiana, is without power and water. Echols has described the damage in East Carroll Parish as catastrophic. He says many businesses impacted by the ice storm will need some federal assistance.
Cut 14 (12) “…to recovery here.”
Governor Landry says he has requested a federal disaster declaration to help fund the recovery effort.
About 75-thousand customers are still without power. West and East Carroll, Jackson, Richland and Ouachita parishes still have a large percentage of homes and businesses without electricity. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says if you are using a generator, make sure it’s 20 feet away from the home.
Cut 15 (11) “…any of us.”
______________________________________________________
Former Jennings High School head football coach Rusty Phelps passed away on Friday after suffering a stroke. Phelps coached for a total of 35 years, with 28 at Jennings. Former Eunice football coach Paul Trosclair says Phelps was one of the good guys.
Cut 16 (11) “…to be around.”
Phelps led Jennings to five district championships, eight quarterfinals, two semifinals and the Class 3A finals in 2019. Trosclair, who coached against Phelps for many years, says Phelps meant a lot to the Jennings community.
Cut 17 (16) “…teams played hard.”
_________________________________________________________
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is at the Senior Bowl this week to showcase his talents in front of numerous NFL scouts, coaches and general managers. Nussmeier battled an abdominal injury this season and says he’s worked hard to get back to 100-percent to participate in Mobile.
Cut 18 (11) “…was a no-brainer.”
Nussmeier’s father, Doug Nussmeier, is currently the offensive coordinator of the Saints and has coached in the NFL for over eight years. Nussmeier says his father has helped him prepare for the NFL interviewing process.
Cut 19 (13) “…to be asked.”
Nussmeier didn’t get to finish his college career off on a high note at LSU, but says he’s looking forward to the Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge.
Cut 20 (14) “…for my teammates.”