8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy is calling for a full joint federal and state investigation into the events in Minneapolis that he says have gotten out of hand. On social media, Cassidy said ICE and the Department of Homeland Security 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.”

North Louisiana is still reeling from the ice storm of 2026. Governor Landry did an aerial tour of the damage in northeast Louisiana yesterday, along with Monroe Representative Michael Echols, who describes the damage in East Carroll Parish as catastrophic and says many businesses impacted there will need federal assistance.

Cut 14 (12) “…to recovery here.”

———————————-

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.”

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is at the Senior Bowl this week to showcase his talents to NFL decision-makers. Nussmeier battled an abdominal injury this season and says he’s worked hard to get back to 100-percent.

Cut 18 (11)  “…was a no-brainer.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

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.”

Governor Landry did an aerial tour of the damage from the ice storm of 2026 in northeast Louisiana yesterday. Monroe Representative Michael Echols was along for the helicopter ride.

Cut 13 (14)  “…throughout northeast Louisiana.”

More than 78-thousand people in North Louisiana remain power this morning.

—————————————-

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.”

A LDWF agent also rescued three missing juveniles stuck in their vehicle on the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday.

Rockin’1000 has staging concerts in stadiums throughout Europe for ten years all featuring one-thousand musicians.  And their first US show will follow suit,  with Harry Connick Junior as its special guest artist director.  Connick says this will be the first Rockin’1000 concert to feature a brass section.

Cut 11 (10) “…of our identity.”

Tickets are still available.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

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.”

In all, more than 78-thousand people in North Louisiana remain power this morning– more than half of those are in Ouachita Parish. DeSoto, Richland, and Sabine parishes also have a large percentage of homes and businesses still without electricity.

_______________________________

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.”

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).”

As one might expect, Connick will be joining the band for a number or two.  We’re told tickets are still available.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana could see a heated U.S. Senate race now that Republican Julia Letlow has tossed her hat into the ring. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

According to the State Fire Marshall’s Office, nine people have died in fires across Louisiana so far and investigators say in each incident, there were no working smoke alarms.  Officials say having working smoke alarms reduces your chances of dying in a fire by 60 percent.

————————————————

2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. It’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the state has to offer. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they’re rolling out a new state-wide birding trail and  the promotional campaign extends well beyond Louisiana’s borders.

Cut 11 (09) “…flights into Louisiana.”

A winter storm watch is in effect for most of north Louisiana, as there’s a high chance of significant accumulations of sleet across the I-20 corridor and as far south as Natchitoches and Jena. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a blast of arctic air will mix with moisture on Friday and icy conditions are also possible in southwest Louisiana, in particular the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas.

Cut 9 (10)  “…into Saturday night.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, along with a nearly identical case out of Texas. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is talking more about his decision to leave Ole Miss to coach the Fighting Tigers. At a Baton Rouge Business Report event yesterday, Kiffin said former LSU coach Nick Saban told him the LSU job, is the best job in America.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”

————————————–
Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has officially entered the U.S. Senate race, as she’s seeking to win the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she wants to ensure a safe and strong nation for our children.

Cut 13 (08)  “…worth fighting for.”

Cassidy says he welcomes the competition.

Cut 14 (08) “…up with anybody.”

Several state lawmakers have announced they’re considering a run for the congressional seat currently held by Julia Letlow.  Baton Rouge Republican State Representative Dixon McMakin announced on social media yesterday he’s formed an exploratory committee to hear from voters in order to inform his own decision on a run for the seat.  And in statements released yesterday, both Republican State Representative Michael Echols and Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey have said they’re considering a run for the District 5 seat.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

All 17 judges in the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals heard oral arguments yesterday afternoon on Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, as well as a nearly identical law out of Texas. Louisiana’s law requires posters of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom across the state. Last year, a three-judge panel on the Fifth Circuit ruled it unconstitutional. Jonathan Youngblood argued the case for the plaintiffs and said the government needs to stay out of religion.

Cut 4 (11) “…governors to decide.”

The Reverend Jeff Sims of St. Tammany Parish says Louisiana’s law not only interferes with his religious freedom, but it tramples on it.

Cut 5 (10) “…its chosen religion.”

We are told it will be several months before the Fifth Circuit issues its ruling.

—————-

A winter storm watch is in effect for most of north Louisiana, as there’s a high chance of significant accumulations of sleet across the I-20 corridor and as far south as Natchitoches and Jena. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a blast of arctic air will mix with moisture on Friday.

Cut 8 (08) “…of northern Louisiana.”

2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. It’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to either discover or rediscover the natural beauty and the scores of recreational opportunities the state has to offer. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says as part of the occasion, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy.

Cut 10 (08) “…around the world.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find the vast majority of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”   (AM)

Governor Jeff Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

——————————

The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

LSU travels to Norman to face number-13 Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon at  2.

Sorry to disappoint, but the possibility of light snow in Louisiana tonight forecasters had predicted earlier on the week is a thing of the past.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says though those chances had diminished, Grymes we will still strong cold front that will result in a cold weekend.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

Walmart is planning to invest more than $330 million to modernize it’s regional distribution center in Opelousas. The State of Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package, including a $10 million performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. St. Landry Economic Development CEO Bill Rodier says the project shows that Walmart is committed to the location long-term.

Cut 7 (11) “…get this done.”

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. EV adoption started its climb in 2021 and soared throughout the year last year. Executive Director Ann Vail says some of the credit goes to improving charging infrastructure.

Cut 5 (11) “…and it’s everywhere.”

———————————-

LSU is putting the finishing touches on its transfer portal class. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU women’s basketball Tigers’ season is looking up after that big win against number-two Texas this week.  ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème’s lates bracketology update,  has LSU as a number two team.  Up next for Coach Kim Mulkey’s team…a trip to Norman Oklahoma where they’ll play the number 13 Sooners tomorrow at 2.

 

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana has a new inspector general and the duties of that position are changing. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Sorry to disappoint, but the possibility of light snow in Louisiana tonight forecasters had predicted earlier on the week is a thing of the past.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says though those chances had diminished, Grymes we will still strong cold front that will result in a cold weekend.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

 

—————————

Governor Jeff Landry is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over President Trump’s desired acquisition of Greenland. The President says the United States needs Greenland for national security. Landry says there’s a concern about Russia taking over Greenland.

Cut 13 (11)  “…knocking on it.”

Greenland is controlled by Denmark, and both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the island is not for sale and reject the idea of a U.S. take over.

The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

LSU travels to Norman to face number-13 Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon at  2.

8:30 AM Newscast

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find the vast majority of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”

Governor Jeff Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

—————————–

A record-breaking field has taken to the streets of Baton Rouge for the 15th annual Louisiana Marathon this morning. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says more than nine-thousand runners from all over the world are competing, with more than 60-percent coming from outside Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…runner from China.”

If you were looking forward to the possibility of light snow in Louisiana tonight, you’ll likely be disappointed.  Forecasters have revised their prediction from earlier in the week.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the chance of winter precipitation has declined as we get closer to the weekend.

Cut 9 (12)  “…last January.”

Grymes says we could see two, possibly three, light freezes early next week.