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.”

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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.”

There are now eight people confirmed dead in the winter storm, after the state health department confirmed five additional fatalities today. Five people died of hypothermia, an elderly DeSoto Parish man died of carbon monoxide poisoning, a 79-year-old DeSoto Parish woman died after her oxygen concentrator failed as a result of no power, and a Texas man died while driving on icy roads in Mansfield.

Governor Landry wants people in north Louisiana to do these two things.

Cut 9 (09)  “…supplemental heat.”

Landry spoke in Monroe today after taking a tour of some of the destruction the ice storm has caused in that city. Mayor Friday Ellis says once the ice melts away, the clean-up will be extensive.

Cut 10 (12) “…devastation.”

Currently, more than 88-thousand people in North Louisiana remain without power – more than half being in Ouachita Parish. East Carroll, Jackson and Richland parishes also have a large percentage of homes and businesses without electricity.

When disaster strikes Louisiana or nearby states, the United Cajun Navy usually comes to the rescue – and this time is no exception. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

At this hour, more than 94-thousand people in north Louisiana remain without power. Governor Landry says getting their power turned back on is a major priority. Landry says the number of linemen and crews have doubled as they’ve been able to shift personnel from south to north Louisiana. He says he’s hopeful 90-percent of customers will have power restored by Thursday.

Cut 11 (12) “…cold air.”

DOTD is urging those of you in north Louisiana to stay off the roads once again today. That especially includes I-20, where several 18-wheelers have stalled out, leaving some drivers stranded in frigid conditions for hours. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says they’re trying to help those folks as best as they can.

Cut 5 (09) “…out there working.”

When disaster strikes Louisiana or nearby states, the United Cajun Navy usually comes to the rescue – and this time is no exception. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

If all this brutally cold weather is starting to wear on you, there’s good news and bad news. First the good news – temperatures will warm up to close to 60 degrees for much of the rest of the work week. The bad news – we’ll be in for another arctic blast this weekend, with highs Saturday only around freezing.

There are now eight people confirmed dead in the winter storm, after the state health department confirmed five additional fatalities today. Five people died of hypothermia, an elderly DeSoto Parish man died of carbon monoxide poisoning, a 79-year-old DeSoto Parish woman died after her oxygen concentrator failed as a result of no power, and a Texas man died while driving on icy roads in Mansfield.

Governor Landry wants people in north Louisiana to do these two things.

Cut 9 (09)  “…supplemental heat.”

Landry spoke in Monroe today after taking a tour of some of the destruction the ice storm has caused in that city. Mayor Friday Ellis says once the ice melts away, the clean-up will be extensive.

Cut 10 (12) “…devastation.”

DOTD is echoing Governor Landry’s sentiments in asking those of you in North Louisiana to stay off the roads today – especially I-20, where scores of 18-wheelers have stalled out. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says those stalled 18-wheelers are making some sections of I-20 nearly impassable, in some cases stranding people in frigid conditions for hours.

Cut 4 (11) “…out of there.”

Volunteers with the United Cajun Navy are pitching in with supplies and a helping hand throughout north Louisiana and north Mississippi. Founder and President Todd Terrell says when essential personnel have no way to get to and from their respective facilities, his volunteers are ready to help with their four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Cut 7 (10) “…taken care of.”

If you have all of your tax forms, you can now file your federal and state income tax returns. Andrew Greenstein has helpful information as you figure out how much you owe Uncle Sam or how much you will get back.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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About 100-thousand customers are without power on this cold morning. Andre Champagne says the work continues to get the lights and the heat back on in north Louisiana.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Generator safety is once again a major emphasis after an elderly DeSoto Parish man died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you have all of your tax forms – W-2s, 1099s and others – you can now file your federal and state income tax returns. There seems to be something new every year, and this year is no different. Richard Tullier (TOO-yay), a CPA with Metairie-based accounting firm Wegmann Dazet (dah-ZETT), says those who make a good portion of their income in tips, like waiters and waitresses, are in for a huge tax break.

Cut 4 (08) “…to tip earnings.”

Tullier says while Congress failed in its effort to make Social Security income tax-free, it did possibly the next best thing.

Cut 5 (10) “…adjusted gross income.”

Tullier says if you took out a loan for a new car in 2025, you get a tax deduction – as long as certain requirements are met.

Cut 6 (11) “…in the U.S.”

The tax deduction does not apply to used vehicles, and it does not apply to leases. And if your loan is zero-percent interest, you don’t get a tax deduction, because there’s no interest to deduct.

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With January being Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention has been working to make people aware of how big of an issue that it is here. Director Mary Kate Andrepont (AHN-dre-pont) says human trafficking happens around the entire state at all times of the year.

Cut 7 (10) “…our small communities.”

Andrepont says as part of the office’s outreach, it does a lot of training programs to help personnel in schools, hospitals and law enforcement identify human trafficking.

Cut 8 (10) “…spot human trafficking.”

Andrepont says one thing that sets Louisiana apart in its response to human trafficking is its uniform referral system.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to victim services.”

Andrepont says the reason they’re seeing more victims is because through her office’s outreach efforts, officials are doing a better job at identifying trafficking victims.

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Restoring power, clearing the roads of ice and preventing more deaths are the main priorities as north Louisiana continues to deal with the aftermath of an historic ice storm. At least three people have died because of the storm, including an elderly DeSoto Parish man whose death was the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says the victim was running a generator in his garage.

Cut 10 (09) “…from the home.”

A running generator needs to be properly ventilated. Governor Landry says if your home is without heat and power, find a warming shelter near you. Landry notes there are about 80 of them operating in the state.

Cut 11 (07) “…warm to go.”

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a gradual warm-up will begin this afternoon. By Thursday, high temperatures will be back around 60 degrees, but then another blast of cold air will come.

Cut 12 (12) “…and Sunday mornings.”

Power companies SWEPCO and Cleco say most of their customers will have electricity by the end of today. Entergy President Phillip May says the company anticipates 90-percent of its customers along the I-20 corridor who can safely receive power will be restored by tomorrow night.

Cut 13 (13)  “…away from homes.”

May says the number of Entergy customers without power is nearly 80-thousand, with many of those in Ouachita Parish.

Cut 14 (06) “…power is restored.”

Many water systems are also struggling in this cold weather. Landry says this may become more of a problem as it warms up and pipes begin to burst.

Cut 15 (10) “…problems as well.”

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The 2026 LSU baseball team returns its entire starting outfield from last year’s  College World Series championship team. Sophomore centerfielder Derek Curiel says the group’s experience together will be an advantage going into the season.

Cut 16 (17) “…to score runs.”

Over the offseason, Curiel put on 20 pounds of muscle to add more power and speed to his swing. Curiel says he wants to make sure he’s a difficult at-bat for opposing pitchers this season.

Cut 17 (14)  “…do this year.”

Sophomore pitcher Casan Evans had one of the best freshman pitching seasons in program history last season. Evans had a 5-and-1 record with a 2.05 ERA after striking out 71 in just over 50 innings of work. As he continues to work for a weekend rotation spot, Evans is focusing on improving two parts of his game.

Cut 18 (16)  “…in the season.”

Tens of thousands of people remain without power as a result of this historic ice storm. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…Joe Gallinaro.”

At least three people have died because of the storm, including an elderly DeSoto Parish man whose death was the result of carbon monoxide poisoning by running a generator in his unventilated garage. Two men in Caddo Parish died of hypothermia. Governor Landry says they’re also investigating three more fatalities possibly tied to the storm.

Folks throughout the state – especially in North Louisiana – are bracing for another night of brutally cold temperatures. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson says people who do not have an adequate way to warm their homes should find shelter.

Cut 12 (09) “…life-threatening temperatures”

The Red Cross has already opened shelters and warming centers throughout the state; but given the overnight forecast, it’s looking to open even more of them. As such, it needs volunteers to operate them. Kenneth St. Charles, the regional CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, says training only takes about two hours, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

Cut 15 (10) “…to move equipment.”

Thousands of people throughout the northern half of the state remain without power because of the deadly ice storm. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says buildup of ice on tree limbs has led to many of the outages.

Cut 6 (10) “…up here.”

USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn is among those who had the power knocked out at his home. He tells us he was able to stay warm inside his house, thanks to his fireplace. Looking at it on the bright side, he told us at least it looked pretty outside.

Cut 9 (11)  “…transportation.”

Campbell says restoring power has been a huge game of whack-a-mole – when one area gets its power restored, another area loses it.

The precipitation has moved out of Louisiana, and none is expected for the next several days. But Rodney Mallett with DOTD says those of you especially in North Louisiana still need to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the roadways.

Cut 3 (07) “…dangerous driving conditions.”

Among those who have died in the storm is an 86-year-old man in DeSoto Parish who died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The death was confirmed by the parish coroner as winter storm related. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson says his deputies have been busy conducting welfare checks.

Cut 11 (14) “…go check.”

Two deaths in Caddo Parish are being attributed to hypothermia.

Even though precipitation has moved out of Louisiana and none is expected for the next several days, lingering moisture is making some roadways in North Louisiana slick, especially on I-20, where it’s a slow-go between Monroe and Arcadia in both directions. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says this is despite crews working around the clock to keep roadways as passable as they possibly can.

Cut 4 (11) “…get hit first.”

Currently, there are more than 110-thousand customers without power throughout the state. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says it’s a game of whack-a-mole – when one area gets its power restored, another area loses it.

Cut 7 (11) “…warm weather.”

Almost 87-hundred customers are without power in DeSoto Parish, which is looking at another night with low temperatures in the teens. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson says people who do not have an adequate way to warm their homes should find shelter.

Cut 12 (09) “…life-threatening temperatures”

The Red Cross has opened shelters and warming centers throughout the state; but with brutally cold temperatures forecast overnight, the organization is looking to open more of them. Thus, Kenneth St. Charles, the regional CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, is putting out a statewide call for volunteers.

Cut 14 (12) “…that we have.”

Training only takes about a couple hours, and it can be done virtually.