10:01 AM CDT on Thursday, September 1, 2005
10:01 A.M. - (AP) -- The military plans to increase the number of National Guard troops on duty in Louisiana and Mississippi from a combined 7,400 to about 18,100, the senior commander in charge of military relief and rescue efforts said Thursday.
9:45 A.M. - Dave Matthews Band is expected to announce a concert today benefitting the hurricane victims.
9:36 A.M. - NEW YORK (AP): Harry Connick Jr., who grew up in New Orleans, says the city will rebuild and that its residents are "freakishly strong."
In an interview today on NBC's "Today" show, Connick compared the rejuvenating spirit of New Yorkers after the September 11 terror attacks to those in the hurricane-ravaged city.
Connick was born and raised in New Orleans, developing his music in jazz bands and at clubs in the French Quarter. His father, Harry Connick Senior, served as district attorney of Orleans Parish for 29 years before retiring in 2003.
He will join a televised fund-raiser, "A Concert for Hurricane Relief," tomorrow on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC at 7 p.m. that also will include performances by Wynton Marsalis and Tim McGraw.
In a posting on his Web site, Connick said he knew his immediate family was safe, but hadn't yet heard from other family and friends.
Yes, they are setting up for showers I heard.