Rain and sleet changed over to snow this morning for much of Acadiana through the Baton Rouge area and into Mississippi. Temps are about in the low 30s, but most areas are just above the freezing mark. A winter weather advisory is in effect until noon today, and that’s when Meteorologist Ken Graham with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the white stuff will stop falling:
CUT 26 (11) “hard freeze”
Freeze warnings are posted across north Louisiana through mid-morning.

An accident at a Youngsville daycare has taken the life of a 4-year-old child. Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux says the child got away from a teacher as a mother, who had come to the daycare to pick up another child, was in the driveway. The 4-year-old ran then into the path of that truck, and the woman says she never saw the child. The incident is still under investigation.

The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend about 967 dollars a person on holiday shopping this Christmas. Don Molino has more..:
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

The U.S. House has passed a measure to allow a person with a concealed carry permit issued in one state to carry a firearm in another state. Congressman Mike Johnson of Shreveport:
Cut 7 (12) “state lines”
The measure now heads to the Senate.

It’s snowing in Louisiana! Many folks in state are waking up this morning to the white stuff all over their houses and cars. Ken Graham with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says it started about 5am this morning in southeast Louisiana…:
CUT 25 (10) “building snowman”
He says one to two inches are expected to fall, and the winter weather advisory remains in effect until noon today. Roads are extremely slick during the morning commute, and officials are urging folks to stay home if possible.

It’s going to be another big shopping weekend, and the National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend an average of $967 per person this holiday season. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says we should resist the urge to overspend…:
Cut 15 (06) “by finances”

The US House has passed GOP backed legislation that would allow people to carry their concealed weapons across state lines if they have a permit to do so in their home state:
Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The Saints were in position to all but lock up the NFC South crown on Thursday night, but Quarterback Drew Brees’ pass into the end zone was intercepted by former LSU Tiger Deion Jones as Atlanta locked up a 20-17 win over New Orleans.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House members have approved a conceal carry bill allowing permit holders to bring concealed weapons into other states.  Kelley Ray says it helps good people protect themselves…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend about 967 dollars a person on holiday shopping this Christmas. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3  (28) “I’m Don Molino”  

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With Christmas right around the corner, the Louisiana SPCA encourages people to give the gift of a home to a pet in need through adoption. Spokesperson Alicia Haefele says they’re offering a 50-dollar adoption special until December 23^rd. She says last year 222 animals found forever homes during the holiday season.

Cut 4  (10) “great match”

Haefele says for an additional donation of 75-dollars, you can surprise a loved one with an adopted animal by getting it hand delivered on Christmas Eve, Hanukah or Kwanzaa.

Cut 5  (10)  “deliver it”

Haefele says this service is available around the state. She says it’s important to make sure everyone adopting a pet understands it’s a life time commitment, not just a holiday gift.

Cut 6 (10) “brush it” 

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The U.S. House of Representatives have passed 231-to-198 the Concealed Carry Reciprocity  (Ress-per-ross-a-tee) Act to allow a person with a concealed carry permit issued in one state to carry a firearm in another state.  U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson says the Senate and hopefully the House are just reaffirming the rights of Americans with this bill…

Cut 7 (12)  “state lines.”

Johnson says by passing this bill, there will be less confusion as to which states allow concealed carry and those that don’t…

Cut 8 (11) “carry permit.”

Johnson says this will not keep people from getting weapons, but it will improve the likelihood that law abiding citizens will be able to be in possession of one to bring weapons to different states…

Cut 9 (10)  “good thing.”

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Louisiana Tech in Ruston has been granted 1.3 million dollars to enhance its cybersecurity programs. The money was awarded by the National Science Foundation. U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Alto says LA Tech is a leader in training the next generation of professions that will be tasked with protecting our nation. He says this grant will help the university maintain cyber security among the 1-20 corridor.

Cut 10 (12)  “their goal”

Abraham says this field is something that’s very deficient in a number of college graduates. He says cyber security is an incredibly important mission.

Cut 11 (11) “the nation”

Louisiana Tech is the first university in the country to establish a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Engineering degree program. Abraham says Louisiana Tech is looking toward the future…

Cut 12 (08) “cyber security”

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The National Retail Federation predicts holiday shoppers will spend about 967 dollars a person on gifts this year, up 3.4-percent from in 2016. Mark Rosa, Professor with the UNO School of Business, says everybody gets excited during the season and wants to be generous but we have to resist the urge to overspend. He says it’s easy to put purchases on credit cards.

Cut 13 (09) “coming again”

Rosa says it’s important to create a budget before setting out to shop and make sure you stick to it. He says it’s very easy to wind up in debt after holiday shopping.

Cut 14 (10) “getting ahead”

Rosa says even though this is more holiday spending than years past, that doesn’t always make for a happy Christmas.

Cut 15 (07) “by finances”

North Louisiana is under a freeze warning and the Florida parishes could see snow by the morning…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

State offices in South Louisiana will be closed tomorrow. Several schools have also decided to call off classes including St. James, West Feliciana, St. Mary and Lafayette Parishes.  Southeast Louisiana is under a Winter Weather Advisory starting tonight.

A Task Force has been established by Governor Edwards to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies.  The seven member panel will be selected by Friday and they hope to hold their first meeting later this month.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says they want to get guidelines in place due to the recent reports of sexual harassment…

Cut 3 (12) “important issue.”

The reward for information on the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife has been increased to ten-thousand-dollars. Nanette Krentel, the wife of Fire District No. 12 Chief Stephen Krentel, was thought to have died when the couple’s house burned down, but her death was later ruled a homicide. Nanette’s father, Dan Watson, is frustrated with the process.:

Cut 10 (11) “right away”

The last time the Saints won the Super Bowl was in 2009 when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-to-17 in Super Bowl 44.  The interesting correlation is the wintery weather expected in Southeast Louisiana.  Just prior to winning the Super Bowl, guess what, there was reported snowfall in New Orleans.  Meteorologist Alek Krautman says fans are hoping this is a good omen for the Saints…

(CUT 29) (11) “2009.”

He does say though, it was just a quote “fun correlation.”

The New Orleans Pelicians beat the Denver Nuggets last night 123-114.    DeMarcus Cousins lit up the scoreboard with 40 points on the night and grabbing 22 rebounds.  The Pelicans are now one game above .500 at 13 and 12 and will take on the Sacramento Kings at home.  The Kings remain in the cellar of the Pacific Division…

Now, here’s a look at the state football championships from Jeff Palermo…

(CUT 30) (45) “Jeff Palermo.”

NFL tonight, the Saints take on the Atlanta Falcons.  Kickoff is set for 7:25pm.

Schools in Ascension, Livingston and West Baton Rouge have canceled classes tomorrow, adding to the list of closures due the chance of snow tomorrow morning. Southern University and BRCC have also closed their campuses. The state Department of Transportation is urging caution when driving on icy roads. Visit 511la.org for up to date road closures and conditions.

A Task Force has been established by Governor Edwards to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

 
As south Louisiana is likely to see some snow, most of north Louisiana is under a freeze warning tonight. Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Shreveport Dayvon Hill says they aren’t anticipating any icy roads up north. He says it’s important for people to remember the four Ps, plants, pipes, people and pets when freezing temperatures arrive.
Cut 9 (07) “like that”

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain reminds pet owners and farmers to make sure animals and livestock are prepared for the winter weather. He says ensure cattle have plenty of hay, feed and water, and check water troughs as they can cover with ice.
Cut 15 (12) “heat lamps”

He says if possible, keep companion animals inside, or at the very least make sure a dry shelter is available and have a warm blanket for your pet.

Ascension, West Baton Rouge and Livingston are more parishes that have annouced school closures for tomorrow due to the chance of one to two inches of snow. Alek Krautmann with the National Weather Service in Slidell says there is a winter weather advisory for the Florida Parishes. He says we’ll have cold temperatures over the weekend but it will be dry and clear.
Cut 7 (06) “northern areas”
Most of north Louisiana is under a freeze warning tonight.

It’s important to be extra cautious on the roads as we start to see wintery weather for the first time this season. Rodney Mallet with the Department of Transportation says they’re keeping an eye out on the weather and hope to keep main roads open unless a closure is absolutely necessary. He enourages drivers to check 511la.org
Cut 14 (12) “our scouts”

There is now a 10-thousand dollar reward for information into the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife. District 12 Chief Stephen Krentel’s wife, Nanette’s, death was ruled a homicide after she was found in her burned down home with a gunshot wound to the head. Her father, Dan Watson, says Nanette was scared of her husband’s brother because he’d threatened her in the past. He says she kept handguns and stayed home a lot.
Cut 12 (09) “of stress”

Governor John Bel Edwards has established a task force to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says they want to make sure all employees know the procedures in reporting if they suspect they are a victim.
Cut 5 (10) “completed”

The task force will report back to the governor by March 1st.

North Louisiana is under a freeze warning and the Florida parishes could see snow by the morning. Emelie Gunn has more on these wintery conditions..:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

More schools have announced closures for tomorrow, they include East Baton Rouge, St. James, St. Mary, West Feliciana and Lafayette Parishes.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is urging winter weather preps for livestock and pets. He says make sure cattle has plenty of hay, feed and water, and make sure to check water troughs as they can cover with ice.

The reward for information on the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife has been increased to ten-thousand-dollars. Nanette Krentel, the wife of Fire District No. 12 Chief Stephen Krentel, was thought to have died when the couple’s house burned down, but her death was later ruled a homicide. Nanette’s father, Dan Watson, says the investigation itself has been messed up from the beginning…:
Cut 11 (11) “has been tainted”
Anyone with information on Nanette’s death can call Crimestoppers and submit an anonymous tip.

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson of Shreveport and the US House have passed legislation that would allow people to carry their concealed weapons across state lines if they have a permit to do so in their home state. The proposal now heads to the Senate. Democrats do not support the measure. The GOP backed House bill passed on a mostly party-line 231-198 vote.