Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage tomorrow with a float at the Tournament of Roses Parade. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
______________________________________
Backed with an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump, Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is confident he will be re-elected as House Speaker. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
______________________________________
Tonight is a big night for fireworks and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging everyone to enjoy them the safest way possible. That means detonating devices 200 feet away from structures and vehicles. Never allowing children to light fireworks, lighting devices one at time and Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says never use fireworks while impaired…
A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that fireworks-related injuries are on the rise across the country.
Heinen says there have been over 300 retail fireworks permits issued for this end-of-the-year season and to only buy fireworks from certified fireworks retailers.
Cut 4 (15) “…passed successfully.”
Heinen says to ensure a safe celebration, set up a Safety Zone. Use stakes, twine, or decorations to mark a safe area away from the fireworks display.
______________________________________
Just one more day before Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage at the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been hands-on in the design and construction of the float, which ties in beautifully with this year’s theme.
Cut 6 (09) “…is Saturday night.”
Nungesser says the float features all the unique things that make Louisiana such a special place to live.
Cut 7 (14) “…around the float.”
And what better way to showcase “Louisiana Saturday Night” than with a rendition of a song by that same title! Timothy Wayne, who’s currently studying at LSU, majoring in history, released his version of the 1980 Mel McDaniel hit earlier this month, and he will be on the float performing that song in front of a worldwide television audience. Nungesser says it will be a very proud moment for Wayne, for LSU and for the State of Louisiana.
The Tournament of Roses Parade airs tomorrow morning at ten on NBC and ABC. Tune in early, the float and Timothy Wayne will be featured sometime in the first hour.
______________________________________
Louisiana Republican Congressman Mike Johnson says President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement of him for House Speaker was supposed to come on New Year’s Day, but Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport he would like the endorsement to come earlier
In a social media post, Trump said Speaker Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man who will do the right thing. Because the GOP has a razor thin majority in the House, Johnson’s re-election as House Speaker is not a guarantee. Louisiana’s Fourth District Congressman says Trump’s complete and total endorsement will certainly help in his re-election chances…
A new Congress will be sworn in on Friday and that’s when the U-S House will vote on Speaker. A serious challenger to Johnson has not emerged…
The Republican from Bossier Parish has been House Speaker since October 2023. Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has already said he will not vote for Johnson, so Johnson can not afford to lose anymore Republican votes.
__________________________________________________________
Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is departing Congress after nearly a decade, choosing not to run for reelection due to redistricting that significantly altered his constituency.
Graves focused on practical infrastructure and disaster recovery projects rather than high-profile legislation. His accomplishments include the Red Snapper regulation returned to the state, using technology to comply with the Privacy Act, and upgrades to Baton Rouge-area highways like the Washington Street exit.
Cut 13 (08) “…new terrace exit.”
Reflecting on Congress, Graves criticized the rise of theatrics over substance and emphasized his pride in meaningful achievements.