Starting Sunday, if you do not have proper identification, it will cost you a more time and money to fly. Travelers that do not present an acceptable form of identification at the security checkpoint will have to pay a new 45-dollar “Identity Verification Fee.” TSA spokesman Gervais Joubert says there are certain acceptable forms of ID to fly.

Cut 13 (11)  “…on TSA.gov.”

The verification is valid for 10 days starting from the date of the initial flight.

Rehearsals for the one thousand musicians chosen for Rockin’1000 show got underway yesterday. Getting that many rockers together is a tough task but Director Daniel Plentz is up for it and says the songs are specially arranged.

Cut 7 (11) “…endings and dynamics.”

The concert is tomorrow night. Doors open at 7:00

Bone-chilling cold — Jeff Palermo reports that is how you can sum up this weekend’s forecast.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

While flu cases in Louisiana have decreased since the holiday season, Louisiana remains one of the hardest-hit states. Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, an infectious disease specialist at Ochsner (Ox-ner) Health, says while being indoors increases the risk of spreading the virus, staying in  during this past winter storm should not cause a spike.

Cut 10 (13) “…really realizing it.”

Bone-chilling cold — Jeff Palermo reports that is how you can sum up this weekend’s forecast.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Rockin’1000 musicians are getting ready for tomorrow night’s big show – emphasis on the word “big.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Flying will get even more expensive starting on Sunday for those who do not have a REAL ID, a passport, a military ID or one of the other acceptable forms of identification. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Get ready for more frigid temperatures. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says another arctic air mass moves into the state, and temperatures will drop like a rock later today.

Cut 4 (11) “…in coastal parishes.”

Keim says it will also be very windy on Saturday.

Cut 5 (13) “…in some locations.”

Keim says low temperatures on Sunday will also be in the 20s, but at least it will be less windy on Sunday.

Cut 6 (08) “…and Baton Rouge.”

Keim says we’ll see below freezing temperatures for most of the state Monday morning too. But there will be no winter precipitation, so travel will not be impacted.

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The one-thousand musicians that comprise the Rockin’1000 started the process of coming together as one yesterday, as rehearsals for tomorrow night’s show got underway. As anyone who has played in a band would tell you, getting even the smallest group of musicians in sync with one another is a tall task; the task of getting one-thousand of them to play in sync is gargantuan. That’s a task bestowed on Music Director Daniel Plentz; he says first of all, the songs are specially arranged.

Cut 7 (09) “…endings and dynamics.”

As the first rehearsal got underway yesterday, each section – drums, guitar, bass, keyboard – rehearsed their parts individually so that they could get the tempo down. Plentz, who will also be one of the two conductors during tomorrow night’s show, says that’s also accomplished with a special track piped into each musician’s headphones.

Cut 8 (12) “…when to start.”

Plentz says the click track is far more advanced and much easier for the musicians than what organizers resorted to when they did their first video back in 2015.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of those lights.”

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While flu cases in Louisiana have decreased considerably since the holiday season, Louisiana remains one of the hardest-hit states for the virus. Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, an infectious disease specialist at Ochsner Health, says while a major cause of spreading the virus is being indoors, hunkering down during this past winter storm shouldn’t cause a spike.

Cut 10 (13) “…really realizing it.”

Of course, we’re in the middle of Carnival season, and that also means large crowds. Dr. Kemmerly says the weather will be a major indicator of whether that will yield a spike in flu cases.

Cut 11 (12) “…could be sick.”

Kemmerly says the flu is nothing to be taken lightly, and people need to protect themselves by practicing basic hygiene and getting their annual flu shots.

Cut 12 (09) “…which is preventable.”

So far this flu season in Louisiana, 26 people, including one child, have died from the flu.

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Starting Sunday, if you do not have proper identification it will cost you a little more to fly. Travelers that do not present an acceptable form of identification at the security checkpoint will have to pay a new 45-dollar “Identity Verification Fee.” TSA spokesman Gervais Joubert says there are certain acceptable forms of ID to fly.

Cut 13 (11)  “…on TSA.gov.”

If you do not have a valid ID to get through the security checkpoint at the airport, travelers can visit TSA’s  website to fill out a mandatory identity verification form. Joubert says the processing fee costs 45 dollars.

Cut 14 (14) “…identity verification process.”

The verification is valid for 10 days starting from the date of the initial flight. According to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, nearly 1.6-million people in Louisiana have a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or ID card. Joubert says there are still a few Americans who do not have any credentials needed in order to board a flight.

Cut 15 (10) “…over the years.”

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In 2025, LSU baseball had one of the best pitching staffs in the entire country. Not only did the Tigers have great starters in Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, but they also had several reliable relievers. LSU pitching coach Nate Yeskie says junior left-handed pitcher Santiago Garcia, a transfer from Oregon, is going to be a key arm out of the bullpen this year.

Cut 16 (15) “…above average pitches.”

Yeskie says one of the best pitchers in the fall has been left-handed sophomore Ethan Plog, a junior college transfer from Iowa Western Community College. Yeskie says Plog’s unique delivery to the plate makes it tough on hitters.

Cut 17 (15)  “…comes into play.”

LSU is getting one of its season veterans back in 2026 with redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Gavin Guidry. Guidry missed last season due to a back injury, but Yeskie says the Lake Charles native is ready to contribute this season.

Cut 18 (12)  “…any given day.”

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is in Mobile this week, along with other coaches and personnel, to evaluate players at the Senior Bowl. Loomis says this year’s draft class has an abundance of quality players.

Cut 19 (16) “…really good thing.”

One of the players at the Senior Bowl is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the son of Saints’ offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Loomis says evaluating Nussmeier presents a unique situation.

Cut 20 (15) “…can’t remember it.”

Some people in northeast Louisiana may have to wait a couple more days to get power restored. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The state health department has confirmed a ninth death as a result of the winter storm. The DeSoto Parish coroner says a 74-year-old man died at his home following an extended power outage. Four of the nine winter-storm related deaths were residents of DeSoto Parish.

Many movers and shakers from Louisiana are in the nation’s capital for D-C Mardi Gras. It is one of the largest political networking events of the year. Lapolitics publisher Jeremy 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 to secure campaign donations.

Cut 12 (11) “…in touch with.”

Many believe we are heading for another federal government shutdown – at least a partial one. Senate Democrats appear unwilling to fund Homeland Security. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says even if there is a partial government shutdown, don’t expect the ICE and Border Patrol raids to end at least for the time being – Homeland Security has enough money to keep them going for now.

Cut 5 (08) “…tremendous immediate impact.”

The LSU men’s basketball team dropped to 1-7 in conference play after losing 80-66 to Mississippi State last night. Head coach Matt McMahon now has a 15-57 record in the SEC. McMahon says he thought his team was ready to play after nearly beating No. 20 Arkansas last week.

Cut 28 (12): “that winning requires.”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is in Shreveport today continuing his recruiting efforts, visiting Evangel Christian Academy and Captain Shreve High School.

Last night, the Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team completed a sweep over UTEP, defeating the Miners 69-59. Junior guard DJ Dudley led the team in scoring with 20 points.

The Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team looks to win its seventh straight game tonight as the Lady Techsters host Kennesaw State tonight at 6:30 p.m.

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. Through seven SEC games, sophomore point guard Jada Richard is averaging 13 points per game. Head coach Kim Mulkey says playing the point guard in her system comes with several responsibilities.

Cut 18 (18)  “…you shoot it.”

McNeese women’s basketball looks to extend their nine-game winning streak to double digits tonight as the Cowgirls are at Stephen F. Austin at 6:30 p.m.

The ULM men’s basketball team announced a schedule change for their game against Georgia Southern. The Warhawks will now host the Eagles at 2 p.m. on Friday at Grambling State’s Willis Reed Court at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center due to the ice storm that left Northeast Louisiana without power.

A teenage boy is arrested in connection with the killing of an elderly woman inside her Morehouse Parish apartment. On Tuesday evening, 73-year-old Ruby Lee Peterson was found stabbed to death inside her Bastrop apartment. Chief Deputy James Mardis with the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office says the following day, deputies arrested 17-year-old Amir Dowles.

Cut 9 (06)  “…with the investigation.”

If you don’t have a Real ID or other acceptable form of travel identification, you can fly but beginning Sunday, it will cost you time and money. If you do not have a valid ID to get through an airport security checkpoint, travelers can visit TSA’s website to fill out a mandatory identity verification form. TSA spokesperson Gervais Joubert says the processing fee is 45-dollars…

Cut 14 (15) “…process.”

The verification is valid for 10 days starting from the date of the initial flight.

The clock is ticking towards another partial government shutdown. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

After almost a week, I-49 reopened in Shreveport this afternoon.  But there are still people in north Louisiana without power and some in northeast Louisiana may be in the dark till Saturday.  Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, with Entergy, says the job has been more challenging than anticipated.

Cut 6 (09) “…than we thought.”

The Broussard Middle School Teacher of the Year was arrested Wednesday for child sex abuse. Authorities say 37-year-old eighth grade math teacher, Christie Oster has been charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. She is being held at the Lafayette jail on a $50,000 bond.

At the height of the storm related power outages, around 130,000 customers were without power in north and central Louisiana. Thursday afternoon, there are still almost 50,000 in the dark. Niyka(NIGH-kah) Scott with Entergy says restoring power in winter conditions is very challenging. Yesterday, workers found live powerlines beneath banks of ice.

Cut 7 (08) “…it’s warm weather.”

We could be facing another federal government shutdown, at least a partial shutdown – if the Senate fails to approve a House-passed funding package by midnight tomorrow night. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says before last weekend, the six pending bills were cruising towards passage.

Cut 3 (08) “…that want changes.”

Democrats are saying they will pass the budgets for the other five departments, but they want to pull Homeland Security from the package.

Starting Sunday, if you do not have proper identification, it will cost you a little more to fly. Travelers that do not present an acceptable form of identification at the security checkpoint will have to pay a new 45-dollar “Identity Verification Fee.” TSA spokesperson Gervais Joubert on what is considered an acceptable form of ID to fly…

Cut 13 (11)  “…TSA.gov.”

A teenager has been arrested for the murder of 73-year-old Ruby Lee Peterson who was found stabbed to death inside her apartment in Bastrop Tuesday evening. Morehouse Parish Chief Deputy James Mardis says they quickly zeroed in on 17-year-old Amir Dowles.

Cut 10 (05) “…with a suspect.”

Authorities have not discovered a motive, but it is believed that Dowles knew the victim since they lived in the same apartment complex.

Many believe we are heading for another federal government shutdown – at least a partial one. Senate Democrats appear unwilling to fund Homeland Security. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says even if there is a partial government shutdown, don’t expect the ICE and Border Patrol raids to end at least for the time being – Homeland Security has enough money to keep them going for now.

Cut 5 (08) “…tremendous immediate impact.”

Hogan points out that if Democrats are successful in separating Homeland Security from the six-bill package, the funding bill would have to go back to the House for its approval, and the House is in recess for the rest of the week.

Some people in northeast Louisiana may have to wait a couple more days to get power restored. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In the nineth storm related death, hypothermia is being blamed. The DeSoto Parish coroner says a 74-year-old man died at his home following an extended power outage. The department of health reported the tragedy as the ninth storm related death. And is reminds residents to take safety precautions in the cold includng taking advantage of the 44 open warming centers across the state.

Entergy is reporting nearly 50-thousand people are still without power and customers in parishes like Union, Ouachita, East Carroll, Morehouse and West Carroll may have to wait until Saturday before the power is restored. Entergy’s vice president of customer service, Nyka Scott says they have opened information centers to help customers who are dealing with a prolonged outage. She says these are places where customers can charge devices and access assistance.

Cut 8 (12) “…their areas.”

A 73-year-old woman was stabbed to death in her apartment in Bastrop and a 17-year-old has been charged in her murder. Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Chief Deputy James Mardis says they do not know why Amier Dolwes killed Ruby Lee Peterson. The two lived in the same apartment complex…

Cut 11 (06) “…knew him yes”

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 21 (09) “…40-thousand people.”

Rigamer says that growth pales to the population gains seen in neighboring states like Texas, Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina.

We could see a partial federal government shutdown if the Senate does not pass a House approved funding package. Democrats saying they’ll pass the budgets for the other five departments, but they want to pull Homeland Security from the package, tying its funding approval to Republicans agreeing to a series of conditions, including ending roving patrols and establishing a universal code of conduct. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says whereas Republicans might not have previously acquiesced to those demands, this time they might.

Cut 4 (11) “…in this case.”