The icy cold temperatures have meant power outages for many parts of our state. SWEPCO has been working to restore power to roughly 12-thousand customers in northwestern Louisiana. DEMCO and Entergy have also been working diligently to restore power to areas. Entergy has sent messages to all customers asking them to conserve strain on the grid by lowering thermostats, shutting off big appliances and turning off non-essential lights to avoid further blackout.

The U.S House has passed that $1.7-trillion federal spending bill, but with only one “yes” vote from Louisiana. That would be New Orleans Democrat Congressman Troy Carter. Everyone else in the House and Senate delegations voted “no”. Senator John Kennedy is angry with the Dems, but also Republicans who did vote for the bill…:

CUT 07(15)      “…enough money.”

With cold weather gripping Louisiana, Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says even though most livestock is more cold-resistant than pets, they still need special care in this weather…:

CUT 12(07)      “…sugar in them.”

He says put a heater in the hen house, if you haven’t already and put horses IN the barn and out of the cold wind.

A Calcasieu Parish woman was arrested after stealing a truck, driving it recklessly and shooting at least two people with a gun she found IN the truck. 28-year-old Allison Miller was eventually caught by Calcasieu deputies and faces a list of charges. Still, no one knows what triggered her violent actions. Relatives say she’d be acting odd and paranoid for a few days; possibly die to drug abuse.

As we wake up to another bitterly cold morning on this Christmas Eve, Entergy sends this message to customers: “Unusually high electricity use due to extreme temperatures may exceed available power supply. Please help by adjusting thermostats and turning off non-essential lights, electronics and large appliance to avoid periodic outrages. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

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 to expect another very cold day for Christmas, albeit a little bit warmer than today. Instead of seeing mercury in the teens in north Louisiana, temps will be in the lower 20’s…:

CUT 10(07)      “..the freeze mark.”

He says a warming will start Monday with daytime highs near 70 by Wednesday.

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Hessmer man Thursday night after he allegedly stabbed his mother to death. Asked to do a welfare check, Hessmer Police found 56-year-old Lisa Roy Mose dead from multiple stab wounds. An investigation led to the arrest of her son, 27-year-old Daniel McWilliams for 2^nd-degree murder. No bond has been set as yet.

The State Treasurer offers up an outside-the-gift box suggestion that will last much longer than most Christmas gifts…:

CUT 01(30)      “Golsby.”

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.” 

The U.S. House has passed a $1.7-trillion spending bill. The same one that passed in the Senate Thursday.  Senator John Kennedy was angry with Democrats and fellow Republicans who voted for it…:

Cut 7 (15)  “…enough money.”

The bill now goes to the President for his signature.

State treasurer John Schroder says he has an outside-the-gift box suggestion that will last much longer than most Christmas gifts. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

Christmas came early for Tiger fans with the announcement that Quarterback Jayden Daniels will stay at LSU to play next year. Daniels opted not to join the NFL draft. Daniels will lead the Bayou Bengals in the Citrus Bowl Monday, January 2^nd when they play Purdue. The Tigers are looking for their 10th win for the season.

The U.S. House passes the $1.7-trillion omnibus spending plan that will keep the government up and running. Only one Louisiana congressional delegate, Democrat District 2 Congressman Troy Carter, voted for it. Senator John Kennedy says he opposed the bill because it will lead to more inflation…:

CUT 06  (14)        “…so much money.”

Kennedy is angry with Democrats who brought the bill and with Republicans who voted for it.

We have a cold Christmas Eve ahead, with more temperatures dipping well below freezing again tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it should warm very slightly for Christmas Day. Instead of hitting the teens in northern parishes, it’ll go into the 20’s…:

CUT 10  (07)        “…the freeze mark.”

He says we’ll hit a high around 70 again by Wednesday.

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Hessmer man Thursday night after he allegedly stabbed his mother to death. Asked to do a welfare check, Hessmer Police found 56-year-old Lisa Roy Mose dead from multiple stab wounds. An investigation led to the arrest of her son, 27-year-old Daniel McWilliams for 2^nd-degree murder. No bond has been set as yet.

With cold weather gripping Louisiana, Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says even though most livestock is more cold-resistant than pets, they still need special care in this weather. He recommends adding heat lamps to chicken coops. And he says it is important to remember that even in very cold weather livestock need to stay hydrated…:

CUT 14(05)      “…can drink.”

Strain says beef cattle, pigs and sheep can withstand pretty cold temperatures, but horses need to be brought inside the barn and even have a lamp to provide some heat.

It’s definitely cold outside but will it warm up any for Christmas? Brooke Thorington has more from State Climatologist Barry Keim…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

Sure we talk about keeping the pets safe in such cold, but what about livestock? Ag Commissioner Mike Strain, a large animal vet, says – if you have horses – get them in the barn…:

CUT 13(07)      “…get too hot.”

And make sure they have plenty of food and water.

The U.S. House has passed the $1.7-trillion omnibus spending bill. You know? The one Senator Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy said they would not vote for? Kennedy says there are just too many members of Congress that have no qualms about overspending…:

CUT 08(11)      “…get the money.”

The bill passed mostly along party lines in House – 225-201. It now heads to the President for his signature.

Want to give a youngster a gift that gives for years to come? How about an education savings plan? State Treasurer John Schroder says the state will match up to 14-percent of what you put in…:

CUT 03(07)      “…friend of your friends.”

Go to “startsavingla.gov” to get started.

The U.S. House has passed a $1.7-trillion spending bill. The same one that passed the Senate Wednesday with the support of neither of Louisiana’s senators. Senator John Kennedy was angry with Democrats for passing the huge bill, and with fellow Republicans who voted for it too…:

CUT 07  (15)        “…enough money.”

The bill now goes to the President for his signature.

Louisiana woke up to some of the coldest temperatures seen in years today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state will remain below right through tonight, with the exception of the most extreme coastal parishes…but it will be short-lived…:

CUT 09(13)      “…of the state though.”

Temperatures will warm up a bit as we moved into next week.

Still looking for a gift idea? State Treasurer John Schroder has a suggestion that’ll last longer than most…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Golsby.”

State Police say a crash on Highway 90 in Assumption has taken the life of a Houma man. Troopers say 19-year-old Lebis Aguilar was a passenger in a SUV that sideswiped a pickup before hitting a guardrail and flipping over. The man driving, 50-year-old Juan Ramos, is charged with driving while impaired, vehicular homicide, careless operation, and driving without a license.

State treasurer John Schroder says he has an outside-the-gift box suggestion that will last much longer than most Christmas gifts. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

______________________________________

It’s definitely cold outside but will it warm up any for Christmas? Brooke Thorington has more from State Climatologist Barry Keim.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

If you’re looking to give a Christmas gift that will last long past this 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 and federal income taxes.

Schroder says similar plans are wildly popular in other states but are underused here.

Cut 4 (06)  “…in Louisiana” 

Schroder says the state will match up to 14 percent of deposits as an enhancement to get people to participate.

Cut 5 (10) “…tax rate.”

For more information, go to startsaving.la.gov

_______________________________________________

Both of Louisiana’s 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 (14)  “…much money.”

Kennedy not only called out Democrats for overspending he chastised his own party as well.

Cut 7 (15)  “…enough money.”

The budget which included $772.5 billion for domestic programs and $858 billion in defense would carry federal agencies through the end of the fiscal on September 30^th.  Kennedy says there are just too many members of Congress that have no qualms about overspending.

Cut 8 (11)  “…to get the money.“

The bill passed mostly along party lines in House 225-201 Friday and heads to the President for his signature.

___________________________________________

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.

As for Christmas Day, Keim says to expect another bitterly cold day but a slight increase in temperatures. Instead of seeing teens in north Louisiana temps will be in the lower 20s.

Cut 10 (07) “…freeze mark.” 

If you’re looking for warmer temps in the Bayou State, Keim says you’ll have to wait until Wednesday.

Cut 11 (11)  “…beautiful day.”

Remember to dress in layers, and continue to protect your pets, pipes, and plants.

_______________________________________________

With cold weather gripping Louisiana, Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says even though most livestock is more cold-resistant than pets, they still need special care in this weather.

Cut 12 (07) “…sugar in them”  

Strain, who is also a veterinarian, says cows usually do okay if it’s cold and dry. But if possible, horses need to be in barns during extremely cold weather.

Cut 13 (07) “…too hot.”  

He recommends adding heat lamps to chicken coops. And he says it is important to remember that even in very cold weather livestock need to stay hydrated

Cut 14 (05)   “…can drink”

___________________________________________

Cut 15 (10) “…can qualify.”

Cut  16 (07)  “…coroners office.”

It’s a bit chilly outside if you haven’t noticed, a deep freeze warnings continue until Christmas morning. Tomorrow highs will be above freezing but just barely in some places. If you’re looking for warmer temps in the Bayou State, State Climatologist Barry Keim says you’ll have to wait until Wednesday.

Cut 11 (11)  “…beautiful day.”

Remember to dress in layers, and continue to protect your pets, pipes, and plants.

With cold weather gripping Louisiana, Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says even though most livestock is more cold-resistant than pets, they still need special care in this weather.

Cut 12 (07) “…sugar in them”  

Strain, who is also a veterinarian, says cows usually do okay if it’s cold and dry. But if possible, horses need to be in barns during extremely cold weather.

State Treasurer John Schroder has a gift idea for you, how about donating or starting to your child’s college savings plan. The state’s SMART plan is also tax deductible. He says the state will match up to 14 percent of deposits as an enhancement to get people to participate.

Cut 5 (10) “…tax rate.”

For more information, go to startsaving.la.gov

Both of Louisiana’s Senators voted against the federal 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 (14)  “…much money.”

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