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.

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.

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Low temps in parts of Louisiana will dip into the tens and twenties tonight and gusty winds of 40 miles per will make it feel below zero. LRN’s John Weatherby says the hard freeze begins tonight and lows in the state will remain below freezing into the following week.

Cut 8 (04)  “…you’re prepared.“

Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says the arrival of very cold winter weather has led to a sharp increase in calls about pets left outside without adequate shelter. Dorson says many complaints are overlooked or never investigated because more than half of the parishes don’t have animal control agencies.

Cut 4 (07)  “…put it.” 

The artic weather will continue into next week.

According to AARP’s COVID dashboard, the nation saw a 26-percent increase in nursing home deaths in the four-week period ending November 20^th.   Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says as we enter the winter months and holidays urges residents and staff to get updates on their boosters.

Cut 14 (10)   “…and the CDC”

He says the vaccination rate in Louisiana among nursing home residents is 42% and for staff, it’s 15%.

State police are investigating a head-on collision in Ascension Parish that claimed a Geismer man this afternoon. Troopers say 62-year-old Michael Head was killed in the crash on LA 928 east near LA 74. The initial investigation says the vehicle Head was driving crossed the center line and collided with another vehicle.

The Louisiana Humane Society says they are receiving an alarming number of calls about pets left out in the freezing weather, even though it’s illegal. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says the arrival of very cold winter weather has led to a sharp increase in calls about pets left outside without adequate shelter.

Cut 3 (10) “…with nothing.” 

State law requires pet owners to provide proper food, water, and shelter, but more than half of Louisiana’s parishes don’t have animal control agencies to enforce the laws, so Dorson says many complaints are overlooked or never investigated. He says that is the norm in parishes without animal control agencies.

Cut 4 (07)  “…put it.” 

According to the Humane Society, animals can suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, and even freeze to death. The Humane Society also asks large animal owners to provide them with access to lean-tos, stalls, sheds, or barns. He says neglected animals in the parishes with animal control agencies do better than those without if their owners get a complaint.

Cut 5 (07) “…take the animal.”

Owners who are found in violation can face fines and even up to six months in jail.

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The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Cut 6 (10)  “…many locations.”

Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze that begins tonight and Weatherby says to be sure to dress in layers.

Cut 7 (07)  “…Christmas Day.”

Weatherby says if you’ll be traveling over the holiday weekend, be sure to pack accordingly, check the antifreeze in your vehicle and bring extra layers in case you have car trouble and you’re stranded for an extended period of time.

Cut 8 (04)  “…you’re prepared.“

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Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. The agency has been under fire after two high-profile child deaths. Former Secretary Maketa Walters says the agency’s difficulties are a result of severe staffing shortages.  Governor Edwards says he’s recommending the legislature use a portion of the budget surplus to assist the agency.

Cut 9 (11) “…they have.” 

Edwards says since he took office the state general fund for DCFS has almost doubled, he says it’s approximately 90 more than in 2016. But he believes the agency needs additional financial support.

Cut 10 (09) “…qualified workers.” 

Edwards says the Revenue Estimating Conference says the state has approximately $935 million in surplus for the current budget year and the forecasted surplus for next year’s budget is $608 million.

Cut 11 (11)  “…for DCFS.”

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A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says their dashboard shows an increase in cases among residents and staff, and deaths nationwide are up 26 percent from the four-week period that ended November 20, compared to the previous four-week period.

Cut 12 (10) “…in Louisiana”  

Muhl says if you have a loved one in a nursing home, you should question the facility about its COVID protocols and vaccination rates.

Cut 13 (08) “…are they accessible.”  

As we enter the winter months when cases tend to surge along with community spread and holidays Muhl urges residents and staff to get updated on their boosters.

Cut 14 (10)   “…and the CDC”

The state reported approximately new 4,000 COVID cases this week.

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Cut 15 (10) “…can qualify.”

Cut  16 (07)  “…coroners office.”

The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Cut 6 (10)  “…many locations.”

Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze that begins tonight and Weatherby says to be sure to dress in layers.

Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says the arrival of very cold winter weather has led to a sharp increase in calls about pets left outside without adequate shelter. Dorson says many complaints are overlooked or never investigated because more than half of the parishes don’t have animal control agencies.

Cut 4 (07)  “…put it.” 

The artic weather will continue into next week.

Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. The agency has been under fire after two high-profile child deaths. Since Governor Edwards took office, he says the state general fund for DCFS has almost doubled, he says it’s approximately 90 more than in 2016. Edwards says he plans to recommend part of the budget surplus go to DCFS to increase staffing.

Cut 10 (09) “…qualified workers.” 

A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says their dashboard shows an increase in cases among residents and staff, and deaths nationwide are up 26 percent from the four-week period that ended November 20, compared to the previous four-week period.

Cut 12 (10) “…in Louisiana”  

Low temps in parts of Louisiana will dip into the tens and twenties tonight and gusty winds of 40 miles per will make it feel below zero. LRN’s John Weatherby says the hard freeze begins tonight and lows in the state will remain below freezing into the following week.

Cut 8 (04)  “…you’re prepared.“

Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. The agency has been under fire after two high-profile child deaths. Former Secretary Maketa Walters says the agency’s difficulties are a result of severe staffing shortages.  Governor Edwards says he’s recommending the legislature use a portion of the budget surplus to assist the agency.

Cut 9 (11) “…they have.” 

Ricks was named interim after Walters resigned last month.

The Louisiana Humane Society says they are receiving an alarming number of calls about pets left out in the freezing weather, even though it’s illegal. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour. Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze that begins tonight and Weatherby says to be sure to dress in layers.

Cut 7 (07)  “…Christmas Day.”

Many locations in the state could experience wind chills below zero.

Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says the arrival of very cold winter weather has led to a sharp increase in calls about pets left outside without adequate shelter.

Cut 3 (10) “..with nothing. ” 

State law requires pet owners to provide proper food, water, and shelter

On his monthly radio show Ask the Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the hypothetical question who would appoint the state’s US Senator should John Kennedy run for governor and win. Edwards says would be able to until an election can be held for a permanent replacement. Where it gets interesting is that Edwards a Democrat would be filling the seat recently won by a Republican with most likely a Democrat.

Cut 8 AM (12)  “…(x2) my inclination.”

And Governor Edwards has appointed Terri Ricks to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. When former secretary Marketa Garner Walters resigned last month, after a public outcry over two child deaths the department has been warned were in danger, Ricks was named secretary on an interim basis. Ricks has served at deputy secretary since 2016 and was an undersecretary from 2004 to 2008.