State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state will remain below freezing today, with the exception of the most extreme coastal parishes but it will be short-lived. Saturday’s forecast is almost a carbon copy of today, but some areas will be just above freezing in the mid and upper 30s for the highs on Saturday. Christmas Day a slight increase in temperatures. Instead of seeing teens in north Louisiana temps will be in the lower 20s.

Cut 10 (07) “…freeze mark.” 

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy both voted against the federal budget. Kennedy sited inflation and says too many members of Congress have no qualms about overspending.

Cut 8 (11)  “…to get the money.“

The budget now heads to the House for a final vote before it can be sent to the President for signature.

State Treasurer John Schroder wants to remind parents to use the START for a college savings plan. Donations before the end of the year can be deducted from your 2022 taxes.  Schroder says similar plans are wildly popular in other states but are underused here.

Cut 4 (06)  “…in Louisiana” 

UL-Lafayette will play in the Independence Bowl today against Houston. The Cajuns are in Shreveport to face the 5-7 Cougars. ULL Coach Michael Desormeaux says this is a bowl game the program is excited about…

Cut  16 (19)  “..good match.” 

Kickoff is at 2:00 pm.

One of the most anticipated cold fronts of the year has moved through Louisiana and winter has arrived right on cue. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state will remain below freezing today, with the exception of the most extreme coastal parishes but it will be short-lived.

Cut 9 (13) “…though.” 

Keim says it will still be cold but just above freezing in the mid and upper 30s for the highs on Saturday.

Both of Louisiana’s Senators voted against the budget which ended up passing 68-29. Kennedy says he voted against it because of inflation. He even called out his own party for overspending.

Cut 7 (15)  “…enough money.”

On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards reflected on his two terms. He says it was a rocky start but he’s hopeful that he will leave the state in better shape than when he started.

Cut 11 (13)  “…tough year.”

If you’re looking to give a Christmas gift that will last long past the season, State Treasurer John Schroder has an outside-the-gift-box suggestion—an education savings plan.

Cut 3 (07) “…your friends.” 

Schroder says there are two START savings plans. One is for college, the other for eligible K-12 schools. He says you have until the end of this year for deposits to the account to be eligible for 2022 tax deductions on your state income tax.

The hard freeze warning continues in Louisiana as most the state will not see temperatures above freezing today. The Artic weather is also causing numerous flight cancellations. The hard freeze warning remains in effect until 9am Christmas morning.

The Office of State Tourism will bring some Christmas cheer to displaced residents who lost their homes last week when multiple tornadoes tore through areas of the state. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they worked with the governor’s office and moved travel trailers to state parks on the West Bank and in North Louisiana. The same trailers once housed individuals who were displaced by tornados in Ruston last year. Nungesser says because not every disaster qualifies for FEMA the state needs to be ready to step in and take care of its own.

Cut 8 (12)  “…difficult times.”

Both of Louisianas Senators voted against the budget which ended up passing 68-29. Kennedy says he opposed the budget because it was written by Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer and, Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Another reason he voted in opposition is inflation.

Cut 6 much money :14

Cassidy says the budget did not include his legislative priorities for Louisiana, like making the National Flood Insurance Program more affordable and fixing social security.

Cut 4 (07)  “…cutting benefits.”

Cassidy was also upset that his Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISE) Act was not a part of the budget.

The cold weather you’re feeling today is going to stick around through the Christmas weekend and state officials are reminding you to keep the usual precautions in place as a result around your home. Those include wrapping pipes, checking on neighbors and keeping pets inside.

UL-Lafayette will face Houston in Shreveport’s Independence Bowl today. Kace Kieschnick spoke with Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson…:
CUT 3 (30) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

On his last monthly radio show of the year this week, Governor John Bel Edwards reflected on his time in office, and what he plans to do before his term ends in January 2024:
Cut 12 (14) “the case”

State Police is investigating a fatal crash out of Assumption Parish that claimed the life of a teen passenger and sent a suspected impaired driver to jail on DUI and vehicular homicide charges. They say 50-year-old Juan Ramos of Houma hit the rear of a truck and trailer in front of him when his vehicle flipped and flew off an elevated highway on US 90 just east of Amelia. Ramos’ teen passenger suffered fatal injuries. The incident remains under investigation.

The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that claimed the life of a motorcyclist who was ejected after crashing into a stalled pick-up truck on US 90 near the Smoothie King Center and was thrown over the elevated roadway into the Superdome parking lot. EMS pronounced him dead on scene.

Put your beanie hat on, gloves and layer up today Louisiana, it’s cold out there. The Arctic air has arrived, and the winds are howling as temperatures across the state fell some 30 degrees in 12 hours from yesterday afternoon to this morning. Wind chills are in the teens and single digits and another hard freeze is on tap for tonight and Christmas morning.

US Senator Bill Cassidy outlines his priorities in a divided Congress in 2023. Marsanne Golsby reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “Marsanne Golsby”

Residents displaced from last week’s tornados are staying in travel trailers in state parks throughout Louisiana. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser helped spearhead that effort and says they are also feeding those families dinner tonight and will bring gifts for the kids. He asks us to remember these families Christmas weekend…
Cut 9 (10) “little tougher”

There are two college bowl games today and one of them is right here in Louisiana as UL-Lafayette takes on Houston in Shreveport’s Independence Stadium. This is the 12th bowl game in Ragin Cajun football history, and the first meeting against The Cougars since 2006 when ULL won 31-28. The Independence Bowl kicks at 2pm.

The price of gas keeps falling as the New Year approaches. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.73 which is about 30 cents less than last Christmas.

The state is waking up to temperatures in the low 20s and teens this morning, with wind chills making it feel much colder.

Utility companies have decided to suspend shutoffs due to non-payment through the New Year, so there is no need to worry about going without heat as temperatures struggle to get above freezing.

To help those who are displaced from last week’s deadly tornadoes, the State Office of Tourism is providing a little Christmas cheer. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

If you were impacted by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021, the Office of Community Development wants you to know you can apply for federal aid online at restore.la.gov…:
Cut 14 (12) “into the process”
That’s O.C.D. director Pat Forbes who says if you don’t have internet you can apply by calling 866-735-2001.

On his last monthly radio show of the year this week, Governor John Bel Edwards reflected on his time in office. His current term ends on January 8, 2024. Mr. Edwards said one of his biggest accomplishments was reforming the state’s healthcare system…:
Cut 10 (13) “as well”

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