Last year, Louisiana had a net gain of 33-hundred residents. That pales in comparison to the net gains of nearby states like Texas, Florida and Tennessee, and that still puts Louisiana some 40-thousand people short of where it was at the start of the decade. Still, demographer Greg Rigamer says the fact that Louisiana had a net increase is a good sign, and the state needs to maintain the momentum.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or no growth”

It’s the show where one-thousand ordinary folks with extraordinary talent come together – the Rockin’1000 is rehearsing together for the first time today for Saturday’s show. Among them is 70-year-old Andy Chetta of Covington. He admits that he may have a little stage fright, but organizers are putting him at ease.

Cut 14 (09) “…won’t get noticed.”

It’s D-C Mardi Gras weekend in the nation’s capital. Jeff Palermo has more on the big social and political networking event.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Speaking of that fifth district seat, former Congressman Garret Graves is invoking the fifth – his words, not mine. Amid speculation that Graves may run for the seat that Letlow is vacating for her U.S. Senate run, Graves says he’s not going to do so, saying it’s not the time nor the office that makes sense.

While Louisiana had a modest gain in population last year, it still has a long road ahead. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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It’s D-C Mardi Gras weekend in the nation’s capital. Jeff Palermo has more on the big social and political networking event.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Rockin’1000 is a gathering of one-thousand musicians on the same stage, and they come from all walks of life and of all ages. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana trails other Southern states in internships and apprenticeships for high school students. That’s why the Leaders for a Better Louisiana are alerting businesses about a new state tax credit employers can take advantage of if they hire interns or have an apprenticeship program. Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin…

Cut 4 (09)“…them do that.”

Erwin says providing internships and apprenticeships to young people can help enhance the workforce and help employers identify future full-time workers. He says the credit is available to businesses that make eligible hires this year, and they can claim the credit on their tax returns beginning in 2027.

Cut 5 (07) “…for that student.”

Erwin says employers must employ the individual for at least 100 hours in the tax year to qualify.

Cut 6 (11) “…dollars a year.”

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Louisiana had a net population gain last year. The U.S. Census Bureau says between July 1st, 2024, and June 30th, 2025, Louisiana added about 33-hundred people to its population total. Demographer Greg Rigamer says that net increase still does not get Louisiana’s population back to the level at the beginning of the decade.

Cut 7 (09) “…40-thousand people.”

Rigamer says Louisiana’s population growth last year still pales in comparison to the gains experienced by neighboring states like Texas, Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina.

Cut 8 (08) “…to a place.”

Rigamer says, however, the fact that Louisiana had a net increase is a good sign, and the state needs to maintain the momentum.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or no growth”

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One of Louisiana’s biggest political networking events of the year is underway in the nation’s capital, as it’s D-C Mardi Gras time. LaPolitics publisher and editor Jeremy Alford says there will be a dinner dance on Friday night and a Mardi Gras ball on Saturday, but before that there’s plenty of opportunities to rub elbows.

Cut 10 (11) “…governments to universities.”

Alford says there are big issues and storylines in the backdrop of this year’s D-C Mardi Gras.

Cut 11 (09) “…cycle as well.”

Alford says with this year being an election year, the candidates running for U.S. Senate and the now-open fifth congressional district seat will use this event secure campaign donations.

Cut 12 (11) “…in touch with.”

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This afternoon, after months of practicing on their own, the musicians who will make up the Rockin’1000 will gather on the Superdome floor to rehearse as a group for the first time ahead of Saturday night’s show. Unlike your typical rock concert which features musicians you’ve idolized your entire lives, these musicians are your average Joes – people from all walks of life, young and old. They include 70-year-old drummer Andy Chetta of Covington. Despite first taking up the drums at the age of 13, Saturday will be his very first gig.

Cut 13 (06)  “…couldn’t pass up.”

Chetta admits that he may have a little stage fright – understandable, since most people’s first gigs are in venues much smaller than the Superdome – but Rockin’1000 organizers are putting him and everyone else at ease.

Cut 14 (09) “…won’t get noticed.”

On guitar either behind Chetta – or on the other end of the floor, depending on where they put him – will be 10-year-old George Schafer, also of Covington. He’s been playing guitar since he was five – literally half his life – and he says being a part of the show will be an incredible experience.

Cut 15 (05) “…they were 10?”

Chetta, Schafer and the 998 other musicians will be busy rehearsing together today, tomorrow and Saturday afternoon.

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The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team is currently riding a five-game winning streak, and the Lady Tigers look to make it six straight tonight against Arkansas at 7 p.m. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says this is one of the closest teams she’s ever had in her time in Baton Rouge.

Cut 16 (16) “…get too low.”

Sophomore guard Jada Richard (ree-SHARD) has made significant strides from her freshman to sophomore season. Through seven SEC games, Richard is averaging 13 points per game. Mulkey says Richard’s success this season stems from being more comfortable with running the offense.

Cut 17 (18)  “…level of college.”

Not only has Richard been able to score the ball as of late, but she’s also dishing out 3 assists per game. Mulkey says playing the point guard in her system comes with several responsibilities.

Cut 18 (18)  “…you shoot it.”

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Saints veteran linebacker Demario Davis becomes a free agent this offseason, and it sounds like he is open to testing the market. Davis appeared on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams’ show on FanDuel TV earlier this week, and this is what he had to say on potentially returning to New Orleans for his 15th season in the NFL.

Cut 19 (18) “…we shall see.”

Davis, who has played for New Orleans since 2018, led the Saints in tackles this year with 143. Davis says he’s noticed a lack of veteran leadership on defenses around the league and believes he could help fill that role.

Cut 20 (17) “…your services more.”

With temperatures getting up to the mid-40s, north Louisiana is beginning to thaw out. Tens of thousands of customers, however, remain without electricity according to power-outage dot-us, with more than half of those being in Ouachita Parish. In nearby Lincoln Parish, the outages were not nearly as significant. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker…

Cut 9 (12)  “…three hours.”

Things are back to normal along I-20, after crews were able to clear all the stalled 18-wheelers that had ground traffic to a standstill, stranding drivers for hours on end. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says you’ll still want to pay attention along I-20, as you should always do.

Cut 13 (10) “…the most part.”

Over the last seven days, Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to no fewer than 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family home fires throughout the state. Shelby Wells with the Red Cross of Louisiana says those teams are 100-percent volunteer-based.

Cut 7 (10) “…to anyone anywhere.”

The Red Cross helps those displaced with money for immediate needs like temporary housing, clothes and food, and all the money comes from donations.

The frigid temperatures this week put a temporary pause on the harvesting of crawfish. LSU Ag Center crawfish agent Todd Fontenot says when it gets really cold, crawfish bury themselves in the mud…

Cut 3 (07) “…the mud.”

Fontenot says we can still expect the peak supply of crawfish from late February and into April.

Life for many in north Louisiana is starting to get back to normal. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tens of thousands of customers, however, are still without power in North Louisiana, according to Power Outage-dot-u-s, with the vast majority of those in the dark being in Ouachita Parish. Utility companies say crews have been working around the clock and are making headway, and they should have everyone back online by tomorrow at the latest.

With conditions evocative of New England winters gripping Louisiana, Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to no fewer than 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family home fires throughout the state over the last seven days. Shelby Wells with the Red Cross of Louisiana says the organization is able to help those displaced with immediate financial assistance. 

Cut 6 (08) “…really immediate needs.”

The arctic blast also put a pause in crawfish harvesting. LSU Ag Center crawfish agent Todd Fontenot says now that the temperatures are starting to warm, however, crawfishermen can get back on their ponds and resume harvesting.

Cut 5 (06) “…their bait.”

Fontenot says we can still expect the peak supply of crawfish from late February and into April.

Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to scores of home fires in the last week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Life for many in north Louisiana is starting to get back to normal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The frigid temperatures this week put a temporary pause on the harvesting of crawfish. LSU Ag Center crawfish agent Todd Fontenot says when it gets really cold, crawfish bury themselves in the mud…

Cut 3 (07) “…the mud.”

Fontenot says not only did the cold temperatures halt harvesting activities, it also kept mudbugs from growing, because they just burrow deep into the mud to stay warm …

Cut 4 (04) “…somewhat.”

Fontenot says now that the temperatures are starting to warm, crawfishermen can get back on their ponds and resume harvesting…

Cut 5 (06) “…their bait.”

Fontenot says we can still expect the peak supply of crawfish from late February and into April.

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With conditions evocative of New England winters gripping Louisiana, Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to no fewer than 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family home fires throughout the state over the last seven days. Shelby Wells with the Red Cross of Louisiana says the organization is able to help those displaced with immediate financial assistance.

Cut 6 (08) “…really immediate needs.”

Wells says Red Cross home fire response teams are 100-percent volunteer-based.

Cut 7 (10) “…to anyone anywhere.”

Wells says the money that the Red Cross gives to those who are displaced by fires is never a loan.

Cut 8 (08) “…all donation-funded.”

Meanwhile, the Red Cross is currently managing six shelters serving more than 120 people. In addition, it’s supporting 21 partner shelters and 19 warming centers.

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With temperatures getting up to the mid-40s, north Louisiana is beginning to thaw out. About 70-thousand utility customers remain without electricity according to power-outage dot-u-s, more than half of those outages are in Ouachita Parish. In nearby Lincoln Parish, the outages were not nearly as significant. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker…

Cut 9 (12)  “…three hours.”

According to the Lincoln Parish Journal, Mayor Walker and his wife Kay served gumbo to linemen, street workers and first responders. Walker says he also provided food and water to the hundreds of vehicles stranded on I-20 because of stalled out trucks..

Cut 10 (12) “…that much ice.”

Walker says hundreds of vehicles were stranded on I-20 in very cold temperatures….

Cut 11 (10) “…or whatever.”

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Those of you who need to drive from Shreveport to Monroe or vice-versa, you can once again do so with relative ease. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says crews were able to clear I-20 of all of those stalled 18-wheelers that had ground traffic to a halt for hours.

Cut 12 (13) “…the sunshine too.”

Buchanan says you’ll still want to pay attention along I-20, as you should always do.

Cut 13 (10) “…the most part.”

Buchanan says icy conditions, however, still have one significant section of roadway closed just south of I-20 on the far western edge of the state.

Cut 14 (09) “…quickly as possible.”

With temperatures getting up to the mid-40s, north Louisiana is beginning to thaw out. About 72-thousand customers remain without electricity according to power-outage dot-us, more than half of those being in Ouachita Parish. In nearby Lincoln Parish, the outages were not nearly as significant. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker…

Cut 9 (12)  “…three hours.”

I-20 is flowing once again. DOTD crews were able to clear all the stalled 18-wheelers that had ground traffic to a halt, in some areas for hours on end. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says icy conditions, however, still have one significant section of roadway closed just south of I-20 on the far western edge of the state.

Cut 14 (09) “…quickly as possible.”

Over the last seven days, Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to no fewer than 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family home fires throughout the state. Shelby Wells with the Red Cross of Louisiana says those teams are 100-percent volunteer-based.

Cut 7 (10) “…to anyone anywhere.”

The Red Cross helps those displaced with money for immediate needs like temporary housing, clothes and food, and all the money comes from donations.

The frigid temperatures this week put a temporary pause on the harvesting of crawfish. LSU Ag Center crawfish agent Todd Fontenot says when it gets really cold, crawfish bury themselves in the mud…

Cut 3 (07) “…the mud.”

Fontenot says we can still expect the peak supply of crawfish from late February and into April.

With conditions evocative of New England winters gripping Louisiana, Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to no fewer than 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family home fires throughout the state over the last seven days. Shelby Wells with the Red Cross of Louisiana says the organization is able to help those displaced with immediate financial assistance. 

Cut 6 (08) “…really immediate needs.”

The latest numbers from PowerOutage.us show that almost 74-thousand customers in north Louisiana are still without power. 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.”

Ouachita Parish has the highest number of power outages by far.

Senator Bill Cassidy is calling for a full joint federal and state investigation into a pair of deadly shootings in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents, saying the credibility of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security are at stake. Cassidy 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.”

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).”

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.”

Last week, 18-year-old Maria Bolvito joined her father for what was supposed to be a routine check-in with immigration officials. Three days later, the two of them were sent back to Guatemala. The senior at St. Amant High School in Ascension Parish tells The Advocate she and her father arrived in the U.S. eight years ago and were seeking asylum.

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.”

The first Rockin’1000 concert in the U.S. will have a distinct New Orleans flavor to it. To accomplish that, organizers have tapped Harry Connick Jr. as special guest artistic director. Connick says no New Orleans-style show would ever be complete without a brass section; so for the very first time, there will be brass musicians among the thousand.

Cut 11 (10) “…of our identity.”

Checking the board, I’m seeing more than 76-thousand customers in north Louisiana are currently without power. Ouachita Parish leads the pack by far, with West and East Carroll, Jackson and Richland parishes also having 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.”

The ice storm has had Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents busy responding to calls for assistance. Captain Kenneth Balkom says as the snow and ice arrived in northwest Louisiana Saturday, LDWF got a call about two 18-year-old duck hunters stuck in shallow water and mud in the Red River in Bossier Parish.

Cut 5 (06) “…them home safely.”

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 says the two deadly shootings at the hands of federal agents threaten to undo the positive effects of the immigration enforcement operation.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it to continue.”

Just three days until Rockin’1000 stages its first U.S. show in the Superdome, and it’s tapped New Orleans’ very own Harry Connick Jr. as special guest artistic director. Of course, Connick will join the thousand for a number or two, and he’s brought along some special guests as well.

Cut 12 (11) “…that are playing.”

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”