Louisiana is experiencing a blustery and raw day, and it’s going to be like this at least for the short term. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in Slidell says some of us may see a wintry mix Thursday night into Friday morning…:
Cut 4 (09) “I-10″
The weekend will be clear, but Grigsby says you’ll still be bundling up.

When it comes to keeping your house warm, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says this time of year, there is an added concern for heating your house, the use of Christmas trees. He says to be cognizant of those while they are used:
Cut 13 (11) “more rapidly”
He says you should never have a space heater near a Christmas tree.

The embattled National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire on Friday if Congress doesn’t take some sort of action. The House has already passed a five-year re-authorization of the NFIP, but the Senate is very wrapped up in dealing with the tax reform legislation right now. Congressman Clay Higgins predicts there will be a brief extension to buy some time..:
CUT 9 (11) “sent to them”
Louisiana’s delegation has been pushing for reforms in the program that keep premiums affordable and don’t restrict coverage for flood-prone areas.

Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler says they are looking at replacing voting machines. Schedler says tampering with the current machines is remote, but a new system would further decrease chances of tampering. He is awaiting approval from the state Division of Administration.