Though the chances of hazardous wintery precipitation are passing us by, look for hard freezes tonight and Saturday night across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says get ready…:

CUT 05  (11)        “…the state.”

A slight warming trend will come in for early next week.

Baton Rouge Police bust a couple believed responsible for stealing over a hundred catalytic converters from people’s cars. A thief can get anywhere from $900 to $2500 for a stolen converter, because of the precious metals inside. BRPD spokesman Sgt. L’Jean (EL-jeen) McKneely says Matthew and Brooke Gibson are under arrest and more they hope to make more busts…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…to another wholesaler.”

McKneely says as for preventing someone from stealing one for your car it’s almost impossible because they can be removed in a matter of minutes.

The House and Senate Governmental Affairs committee approves new Congressional district maps. They do not include a second majority-minority district. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A man’s body found in a Natchitoches Parish oxidation pond Thursday has been identified as a missing man from LaSalle Parish. 35-year-old Josh Humphries hadn’t been seen since January 8^th. Natchitoches cops found his car on the 13^th. Though cause of death has not been determine, his death is ruled a homicide. An investigation is underway.

The House and Senate Governmental Affairs Committees approved new Congressional district maps similar to the current one, which means just one majority-minority district. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says based on the 2020 Census data she doesn’t believe a second majority-Black district can be drawn…

Cut 12 (11) “…District 2″

—

The House Governmental Affairs Committee also approved a congressional map that does not create a second majority-minority district. The vote was 13-to-5 in favor of House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s proposal which features one majority-minority district, but changes current existing lines to reflect population changes. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis voted against it…

Cut 14 (11) “…of choice.”

—

Louisianans awoke to freezing temperatures this morning, with a major cold front moving through the state. State climatologist Barry Keim says the cold conditions are expected to stick around for at least another week, and we should get prepared for a harsh weekend.

Cut 4 (11) “…a hard freeze.”

—

Louisiana hasn’t hit the peak of crawfish season, but that doesn’t mean that mudbugs aren’t on the menu. Mark Shirley, LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist, says the recent wave of cold temperatures may have slowed the growth of this year’s harvest, but it hasn’t stopped it.

Cut 9 (12) “…but they’re there.”

Shirley also says that with the rising cost of crawfish farming this is a great time to support the crawfish industry by buying a few pounds.

—

Louisianans awoke to freezing temperatures this morning, with a major cold front moving through the state. State climatologist Barry Keim says don’t expect things to get much warmer anytime soon.

Cut 3 (10) “…be really cold.”

A Baton Rouge couple’s chop shop is closed now after the discovery of 101 catalytic converters were found in their home, along with narcotics. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says as for preventing someone from stealing a converter from your car it’s almost impossible because they can be removed in a matter of minutes.

Cut 7 (11) “…leave the area.” 

Converter theft has increased by almost 300 percent in the US. Matthew and Brooke Gibson face numerous charges.

According to the American Clean Power Association, more than 17-thousand jobs will likely be created if two wind farms are built off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc says while it’s easier to harness wind energy off the east coast, technology is advancing that will improve the opportunity for offshore wind farms in the Gulf…
cut 11 (05) “…in the Gulf”
Hecht believes Louisiana ports in New Orleans, Avondale and Port Fourchon will benefit from wind operations in the Gulf.

Former LSU and current Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth makes his second Super Bowl appearance next Sunday. After going the last two seasons without a playoff win, the four-time Pro Bowler isn’t taking his second shot for granted.

Cut 17 (10) “ …lot to us.” 

The 40-year-old player is now the oldest in the NFL since Tom Brady’s retirement.

After the discovery of 101 catalytic converters at an East Baton Rouge couple’s chop shop, Matthew and Brooke Gibson are facing numerous charges, including possession of narcotics. Baton Rouge Police Sargent L’Jean McKneely says there’s been an ongoing increase of catalytic converter theft and they are investigating ties to Gibson’s operation.

 Cut 6 (10) “…Texas for sale.” 

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves a new Congressional district map similar to the current one, which means just one majority-minority district. Chairwoman and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says based on the 2020 Census data she doesn’t believe a second majority-Black district can be drawn…

Cut 12 (11) “…District 2″  

Hewitt’s Congressional map proposal heads to the Senate.

Supporters of the family of Ronald Greene, the Black motorist who died after a beating by white State Police troopers in 2019, held a press conference to respond to statements made by Governor John Bel Edwards. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

If you’re driving in north Louisiana, be aware of hazardous conditions and road closures due to the winter precipitation from last night. That’s in the Shreveport and Monroe area. Eventually, temperatures will get above freezing, but highs in north Louisiana will only be in the 30s and the wind chill will make it feel even colder and will drop into the mid 20s later tonight.

Civil rights groups are still not happy with Governor John Bel Edwards despite telling the state on Tuesday that any allegations that he was involved in a cover-up of the death of Ronald Greene is utterly false and baseless. Krystal Muhammad, chair of the New Black Panther for Self-Defense, says Edwards didn’t treat this case seriously from the beginning…
cut 28 (11) “….was thanks”
Edwards has condemned the actions of State Police Troopers the night Greene died. Video shows Greene being beaten and tased. Devon Norman, part of the Lafayette community collective, “The Village 337” says Edwards only spoke on Tuesday because of mounting political pressure…
cut 29 (07) “…murdered”

Both the House and Senate Governmental Affairs committees are discussing today proposals that would create a second majority-minority congressional district…..
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

There’s a discussion of building wind farms in the Gulf of Mexico as another source of energy and Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc says there are already Louisiana firms involved in the engineering, construction, and servicing farms in the Atlantic Ocean…
cut 10 (11) “….offshore wind”

Civil rights activists remain upset with Governor John Bel Edwards for how he’s handled the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Edwards denied that he was involved in a possible cover-up of Greene’s death, who was seen on video being beaten and tased by white State troopers before he died. Kyrstal Muhammand, is the chair of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense…
cut 7 (15) “….of Ronald Greene”
Muhammad says they would like to see Governor Edwards resign.

Louisiana ranks number one for the highest combined state and local sales tax rate at 9.55 percent. Tax Foundation policy analyst Janelle Cammenga says sales taxes provide a predictable amount of money for the state’s general fund, but it’s a tax that’s hard on low-income wage earners…
Cut 6 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

A spirited debate could take place today when the Senate Governmental Affairs committee votes on new Congressional district map ideas. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Black lawmakers are proposing a second majority-minority district.
cut 13 (08) “…elect a black congressman”
But Republicans say there are not enough blacks living in a concentrated area to create two majority-minority districts.

The American Clean Power Association says 17-thousand jobs would likely be created if two wind farms are constructed off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc, Michael Hecht, says we are still a few years away before wind farms are built in the Gulf, but that’s not stopping Louisiana industries…
cut 12 (11) “….107 meters long”
Hecht says the larger the blade, the more efficient windmills are at generating power which then lowers cost.

North Louisiana did receive a light coating of winter precipitation last night and there are several road closures. There’s some light snow falling in the Shreveport area this hour. Eventually, temperatures will get above freezing, but highs in north Louisiana will only be in the 30s.

The American Clean Power Association says two proposed wind farms off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana could create 17-thousand jobs. Brooke Thorington reports the Bayou State is already breezing ahead in the industry…
cut 2 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

Despite Governor John Bel Edwards telling the public he did not and has not impeded the investigation into the 2019 fatal arrest death of Ronald Greene, community activist groups still believe he neglected to act in the best interests of the citizens he swore to protect. Devon Norman of the Lafayette communitive collective “The Village 337” says Edwards only spoke this week because of mounting political pressure…
cut 8 (12) “….to the people”
Norman believes Edwards should have taken action behind closed doors.

Louisiana once again ranks number one in the Tax Foundation’s ranking for highest average combined state and local sales tax rates at a 9.5 percent. The state’s sales tax is scheduled to drop nearly a half percent in 2025. Tax Foundation policy analyst Janella Cammenga says if that happens Louisiana could fall from its number one ranking
Cut 5 (09) “…extra revenue.”

Louisiana once again ranks number one for the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate at 9.55 percent. That’s according to the Tax Foundation and policy analyst Janelle Cammenga says Louisiana edged out Tennessee for the top spot, but the Volunteer State does not have an income tax…
Cut 4 (09) “…tax there”
Louisiana ranks second behind Alabama for the highest average local sales tax rates.

According to the American Clean Power Association, 17,500 jobs will likely be created if two wind farms are built off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc says while it’s easier to harness wind energy off the east coast, technology is advancing that will improve the opportunity for offshore wind farms in the Gulf…
cut 11 (05) “…in the Gulf”
Hecht believes Louisaina ports in New Orleans, Avondale and Port Fourchon will benefit from wind operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Despite Governor John Bel Edwards claims earlier this week that he was not involved in a cover-up of Ronald Greene’s death, a black motorist who died after being beaten by State Troopers, civil rights group still believe the governor should have done more after learning of Greene’s death. Devon Norman, is with the Village 337…
cut 9 (08) “…our state”

The Louisiana Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to vote on new Congressional and state senate district maps today. Black lawmakers are pushing for a second majority-minority Congressional district and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a similar debate is taking place with redrawing state senate district lines…
cut 15 (07) “….the Louisiana Senate”
Currently, 11 of the state’s 39 Senate seats are made up of a majority-black voters, there’s a proposal that redraws the map to include 13 majority-Black districts.

The light winter precipitation that fell last night has moved out of the state, but cold temperatures are here. High temperatures in north Louisiana will be in the upper 30s, and low 40s for central and north Louisiana.

Supporters of the family of Ronald Greene, the Black motorist who died after a beating by white State Police troopers in 2019, held a press conference to respond to statements made by Governor John Bel Edwards. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Votes are expected to take place today in the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee on proposed new Congressional district maps. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 14 (07) “….second congressional district”
Black lawmakers say two of the state’s six congressional districts should be majority-minority districts, but Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says if you do that the black vote will be diluted in those two districts, which risks the chance of not having a minority elected in either district.

There’s discussion of building wind farms in the Gulf of Mexico as another source of energy and Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc says there are already Louisiana firms involved in the engineering, construction, deploying, and servicing farms in the Atlantic Ocean…
cut 10 (11) “….offshore wind”

Areas along the I-20 corridor and north, should prepare for possible rough driving conditions, as a winter weather advisory is posted for the area through 9 tonight. Rain will likely turn to sleet or perhaps freezing rain as temperatures drop. National Weather Service forecaster Charlie Woodburn says be ready for slippery highways…:

CUT 05 (11) “…earlier today.”

—

A psychiatric nurse practitioner has been arrested on human trafficking and narcotics charges after authorities learned he was providing drugs for sexual favors. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says 40-year-old Mark Declouet (dih-CLOUT) Jr., of Alexandria, was taken into custody without incident…:

CUT 12 (09) “…sexual favors.”

Declouet apparently worked at health care providers in Lafayette and Alexandria.

—

A Morehouse Parish school teacher is arrested for striking a student. Deputies say 61-year-old Helen Anderson allegedly hit a student at Delta Elementary school in Mer Rouge. She’s charged with Cruelty to a Juvenile.

—

Police in New Orleans report yet another motorist has been shot and killed while driving on Interstate 10. NOPD says the un-named male victim was discovered inside his car, which crashed into a guardrail near Louisa Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshots. A number of people have been shot while on the city’s superhighway in recent months.

—

The cost for a barrel of oil could rise to nearly $100 later this year, but Baton Rouge economist Loren Scott says the first place most Americans will feel the impact of higher oil prices is at the gas pump. With the state average for regular gas at more than $3.13, that could be a major hit, even if it doesn’t last long.

Cut 10 (13)  “…pump go up.”

—