Saints running back Alvin Kamara is facing a battery charge after he allegedly injured someone at a Las Vegas nightclub Saturday, but Kamara still played in Sunday’s Pro Bowl Game. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it was over 24 hours later Kamara before he was taken into custody so he’s waiting to hear more details on how this went down…

Cut 4 (10) “…those questions.”

Kamara will make a court appearance in Las Vegas this afternoon.

LSU is the first college football program to partner with sports apparel giant Fanatics and OneTeam that allows fans to purchase customizable jerseys of their favorite player and the athletes will earn a percentage. Athletic department spokesperson Cody Worsham says with LSU being the first to join, others will be quick to follow.

Cut 14 (09)  “…they will now.”

The state Office of Motor Vehicles will help fight human trafficking on Louisiana roadways with a new campaign. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher..”

In Bayou Blue, a North Carolina man was arrested in connection with the rape and murder of his then five-year old niece more than four years ago. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says 23-year-old David Wesley Prevatte (Pre-vat) will be extradited back to North Carolina.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is facing a battery charge after he allegedly injured someone at a Las Vegas nightclub. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police say the incident happened late Saturday afternoon, but Kamara still played in yesterday’s Pro Bowl Game in Las Vegas. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Kamara was not charged until after the game…

Cut 3 (06) “…little bit.”

Kamara was released on a five-thousand-dollar bail and his first court appearance is this afternoon in Las Vegas.

U. S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is in New Orleans today and Congressman Troy Carter says they are discussing the development workforces made up of Louisianans to help rebuild areas of the state when impacted by natural disasters.

Cut  11 (11)  “…rebuilding Louisiana.”  

The state Office of Motor Vehicles is getting involved in the fight against human trafficking. OMV spokesman Matt Boudreaux says because motorists make stops – for gas, food, lodging or even nightlife – in which they might encounter a victim of human trafficking and tells us what signs to look for…:

Cut 8 (11)  “….to speak for themselves.”

They encourage you to call 9-1-1 if you believe you see a victim.

Dean of Tulane University’s School of Social Work Patrick Bordnick says the pandemic has added more life stressors and for those who were already suffering from depression and anxiety it’s only worsened and reminds those suffering to be kind to themself.

Cut 6 (10)  “…all of us”

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.

Slippery road conditions from a winter storm are possible along the I-20 corridor tonight. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana-based Tigeraire, the company that created cooling fans for athletic helmets has another hit on their hands with helping construction workers beat the heat. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

The entire I-20 corridor is under a winter weather advisory until nine o’clock tonight as freezing rain, sleet, and light snow will be possible through the evening. Charlie Woodrum with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says ice accumulations will be mainly less than a tenth of an inch

Cut 3 (09) “…this evening”

Woodrum says the rain should switch over to winter precipitation near the Louisiana-Arkansas border and icy conditions could start to develop for the Monroe-Shreveport areas around seven and eight o’clock…

Cut 4 (11) “…areas”

Woodrum says with the temperature dropping below freezing across north Louisaina plan on slippery road conditions…

Cut 5 (11) “.earlier today”

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The Louisiana startup company known for creating interior football helmet fans is now helping those in the construction industry cool off. Tigeraire founder and CEO Jack Karavich says their latest design for hard hats known as the Tornado provides the same reprieve for construction workers as it does for athletes.

 Cut 6 (10) “…we’re getting.” 

The Tornado was unveiled recently at the World of Concrete Event in Las Vegas and Karavich says demand for the cooling fan has been overwhelming. The company has plans to build a manufacturing plant in Baton Rouge but in the meantime, fans are being constructed overseas.

Karavich says the Tornado fan is quite the upgrade from the Cyclone that was first designed for athletes. The Tornado is OSHA compliant, designed to work with multiple hardhat designs and the waterproof device weighs about 3.5 ounces. Karavich says it pumps out about 42 miles per hour of airflow.

Cut 7 (09) “…gotta tell you.” 

Tigeraire hopes the Tornado will not only make working in the heat more comfortable but most importantly make it safer. Karavich says construction accidents and fatalities tend to increase in warmer months linked to human error.

Cut 8 (11) “….human beings.”  

The Tornado comes in two models and prices range from $75.00 to $95.00.

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The cost for a barrel of oil could rise to nearly $100 later this year. Increased demand as more and more Americans take to the roads and airways has caused the spike, but Baton Rouge economist Loren Scott says plans by OPEC Plus, a coalition of oil exporters that includes Russia, should begin to bring prices back down, sooner rather than later.

Cut 9 (12) “…the investigation basically.”

Of course, 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.” 

While folks may feel a pinch on their pocketbooks for a few weeks, Louisiana should reap some financial benefits from those higher oil prices, both for the state’s coffers and for businesses.

Cut  11 (13)   “….gas extraction employment.”  

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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) Junior of Alexandria was taken into custody without incident…

Cut 12 (09) “…sexual favors”  

Declouet’s Linkedin page says he’s worked at Axis Behavioral Health and Recovery which is based in Lafayette and he was reportedly an attending clinician at Longleaf Behavior Hospital in Alexandria. Carnline says it’s likely some of Declouet’s victims are recovering addicts…

Cut 13 (05) “…someone in need”

Carnline says they believe there are more victims of this suspect out there…

Cut 14 (11)  “…too long” 

High gas prices could be on the horizon as the cost for a barrel of oil could rise to nearly $100 later this year. Increased demand as more and more Americans take to the roads and airways has caused the spike, but Baton Rouge economist Loren Scott says plans by OPEC, plus a coalition of oil exporters that includes Russia, should begin to bring prices back down, sooner rather than later.

Cut 9 (12) “…the investigation basically.”

The Louisiana startup company known for creating interior football helmet fans is now helping those in the construction industry cool off. Tigeraire founder and CEO Jack Karavich say their latest design for hard hats known as the Tornado provides the same reprieve for construction workers as it does for athletes.

 Cut 6 (10) “…we’re getting.” 

Slippery road conditions from a winter storm are possible along the I-20 corridor tonight. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state reports 1,891 people are in the hospital with COVID-related issues, a decline of 21 from the day before and it’s the first time we’ve been below 1900 since January 9^th.

A cold front will bring heavy rounds of rain and there’s a winter weather advisory with the possibility of mixed precipitation along the I-20 corridor this afternoon. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the mercury will drop throughout the day…

Cut 14 (11)  “…into Louisiana.”
The cold temps will linger into next week.

Debate is underway on new Congressional District maps. Chairwoman and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt….

Cut 4 (07) “…possible.” 
Hewitt’s proposal would extend Julia Letlow’s District, further south into the Florida parishes. Black members of the Senate have proposals to create a second majority-minority congressional district, making significant changes to Letlow’s district.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reporting the state’s first suspected case of chronic wasting disease. The tentative diagnosis was made from samples of an adult buck in Tensas Parish. LDWF veterinarian Doctor Jim Lacour says they sent those samples to a lab in Iowa for confirmation…

Cut 12 (12) “…of that area.”
A special task force appointed by Governor Edwards approves a Climate Action Plan for Louisiana, designed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.

Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA) president Greg Bowser says his while they support the basic plan, they do have concerns it could prove costly for them, and others…

Cut 8 (10)  “….disastrous for our economy.”

The legislature is expected to begin debating new congressional districts in the redistricting session. When asked about Democratic Senator Cleo Fields plan to add a second minority-majority district, Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says just because a district qualifies as a 50-percent plus one minority district….

Cut 5 (08) “…their choice.”

The session will also consider BESE, legislative, and Public Service Commission districts and possibly Supreme Court districts.

Temperatures are going to drop throughout the day as the cold front makes its way across the state today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it looks like the groundhog was right about winter lingering, especially into to weekend and next week for Louisiana.

Cut  16 (12)  “…and Sunday.”

After receiving a tip that a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner was providing narcotics for sexual favors the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement has arrested 40-year-old Mark Declouet Jr of Alexandria. Agents say Declouet would solicit men with cash to locate and provide females for sexual purposes. The suspect faces multiple drug charges and human trafficking charges.

Louisiana may have its first reported case of a Chronic Wasting Disease that attacks white-tailed deer. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

The National Weather Service issues a winter weather advisory for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union, and Webster parishes in north Louisiana. Meteorologist C-S Ross says winter-like perception should begin after midnight with a mix of light snow and sleet, so prepare for a slippery drive.

Cut 4 (05) “…travel headaches”

Any ice accumulation north of I-20 is expected to be less than a tenth of an inch but enough to cause problems.

Tiger Rag Magazine says Sharon Lewis, who was fired from her position as LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations has been asked to testify before Select Committee on Women and Children concerning the school’s Title IX investigation. Editor Adam Hunsucker says it could prompt LSU to settle her case, rather than risk exposing more dirty laundry and…

Cut  11 (06)   “….and cooperate.”  

During a lengthy press conference Tuesday, where Governor John Bel Edwards denied any wrongdoing in the aftermath of Ronald Greene’s fatal 2019 arrest. Edwards says he believes racism played a role in the incident…

Cut 13 (09) “…soon as possible”

The troopers involved in the fatal arrest of Greene have been fired, but no one has yet been charged with a crime. Edwards says Greene died a violent, terrible death and the state troopers involved committed criminal acts….’

Cut 14 (12)  “…too long” 

One of the troopers involved in the Greene arrest, Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, died in a car crash in 2020 shortly after learning he would be fired

Louisiana ranks in the top five for states with the overall highest gun death rates. According to the Violence Policy Center, the Bayou State ranks third and Government Affairs Director Kristen Rand says states with a large percentage of gun owners and weak gun laws have a higher gun death rate.

 Cut 6 (12) “…since 2011.” 

The National Weather Service issues a winter weather advisory for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union, and Webster parishes in north Louisiana. Meteorologist C-S Ross says winter-like perception should begin after midnight with a mix of light snow and sleet, so prepare for a slippery drive.

Cut 4 (05) “…travel headaches”

Any ice accumulation north of I-20 is expected to be less than a tenth of an inch but enough to cause problems.

Governor Edwards addressed accusations that he tried to impede and even underplay the Ronald Greene incident. Edwards emphatically denied the accusations and held a press conference one day after Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder said Edwards should be investigated to which Edwards says a GOP-led legislature investigation would do no good…

Cut 12 (09) “…would stop.”
Louisiana is encouraging homeowners who sustained damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta to fill out a survey at restore.la.gov. Office of Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the state will receive 600-million dollars in federal disaster block grant funding and answers to the survey will help determine allocation.

Cut 7 (09) “…out there.”