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.

Louisiana is experiencing some of the coldest weather we have seen in a while. Don Molino has more of the chilling news…:
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says when temperatures hit like this, they typically see an increase in residential fires. He says it’s not advisable to use space heaters for an extended period of time, but if you do…:
Cut 12 (09) “night long”

A new study from the University Council on Gender Equity finds that LSU male professors make significantly more than female professors, in some cases a difference of 20 to 30 thousand dollars a year. Assistant Accounting Professor Christine Cheng says additional research needs to be done where outside factors are considered but these numbers are correct…:
Cut 7 (11) “earn females”
LSU says the data used in the report is missing variables such as some salary offers being based on experience, education and other things.

The Advocate is reporting that LSU’s coaching staff will get a combined $115,000 in bowl bonuses.

Central and southern Louisiana are in store for heavy rains over the next couple of days. An arctic cold front has moved in plummeting temperatures and bringing a lot of moisture. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the strong winds will drop the wind chill to near freezing.:
Cut 3 (06) “as well”
Meanwhile things will start to dry out in North Louisiana by tomorrow, and temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s for the afternoon.

A new study from the University Council on Gender Equity finds that LSU male professors make significantly more than female professors, in some cases a difference of 20 to 30 thousand dollars a year. Assistant Accounting Professor Christine Cheng says these numbers are preliminary but noteworthy:
Cut 6 (11) “wage gap”
A spokesman for LSU says the data used in the report is missing variables such as some salary offers being based on experience, education and other market factors.

Authorities say a man has died after driving his car into Lake Pontchartrain. His passenger survived after a rescue, but one of the rescuers disappeared during the rescue. The Coast Guard search for the missing good Samaritan continues as best it can in the rain and wind. The vehicle was in the parking lot of the Blue Crab Restaurant New Orleans when it accelerated into the lake and patrons jumped in to try to save the occupants. The missing man is identified as an employee at the Blue Crab.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he’s looking to possibly replace the state’s voting machines…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says it’s time to replace Louisiana’s voting machines. Schedler says tampering with the current machines is remote, but a new system would further decrease chances. He says if approved by the state Division of Administration, the new touch screen system would provide better confirmation for voters.
Cut 13 (08) “you voted.”

A cold front has crossed Louisiana bringing the Bayou State the coldest weather of the season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says by Friday and over the weekend, we’ll see temperatures in the 30s in the morning with afternoon highs in the 50s. He says there’s also a chance for a light freeze across northern parishes.
Cut 5 (10) “pretty chilly run”

Keim says even as the front moves offshore, clouds and rain will stay in the forecast.

The Richwood Rams from Ouachita Parish are getting ready to play in the 3A State Championship. Kelley Ray says K-9 Outreach is stepping in as many fans can’t afford to make the trip to New Orleans.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

A group of ladies taking a trip to the Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville were photobombed by Chloe the ghost, who was a slave on the grounds during the 1800s. Tour Director Hester Eby expects this photo that’s gone viral to increase visitors to the grounds.
Cut 12 (11) “…maybe”

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he is seeking to replace voting machines, and maybe the way we vote. He says an option they are exploring is a way to let voters cast ballots in their precinct, even if they are in another part of the state. He explains how it would work in his case, since he is a registered voter in another parish, but lives in Baton Rouge..:
Cut 14 (12) “election day”
He is awaiting approval from the state Division of Administration to begin the bidding process.

A cold front has crossed the state, bringing Louisiana its coldest weather of the season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we can expect to see clouds and lingering rain through tomorrow. He says break out the sweaters and winter coats…:
Cut 4 (08) “few days”

There has been a lot of buzz over the Instagram post by LSU star running back Derrius Guice which says he will decide whether to enter the draft after the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame. The junior is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft if he leaves early. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says he would be shocked if Guice stayed another year..:
Cut 16 (16) “draft stock”

The Richwood High football team is headed to New Orleans on Friday to play in the Class 3A state championship against West Feliciana, and there’s an effort underway in Monroe to help get Rams students to The Dome to cheer on their team. Tyrone Dickens is trying to help raise money through his non-profit program K-9 Outreach, because many students can’t afford the trip…:
Cut 8 (09) “young generation”
You can contact Dickens through his K-9 outreach program to donate.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he’s looking to possibly replace the state’s voting machines…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Blasts of cold air are shooting into the state, and there’s even talk of possible freezes and wintry mixes in the forecast for some parts of Louisiana to close out the work week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says even as this cold front moves offshore, clouds and rain will stay in the forecast…:
Cut 6 (10) “nasty outside”

The Myrtles Plantation has shared a haunting photo of an unseen guest, as the resident ghost Chloe could be seen in a guest selfie. Tour Director Hester Eby says Chloe is known to photobomb pictures…:
Cut 11 (09) “others know”
“Chloe” is believed to be the ghost of a slave girl at the Myrtles Plantation in the 1800s, who was a mistress of the owner.

Louisiana’s new state treasurer John Schroder was sworn into office Tuesday evening. The Republican fills the remaining two years of the term vacated by John Kennedy, who left the job after winning election to the U.S. Senate.

KLFY in Acadiana is reporting that one of those in the running to replace outgoing Ragin Cajuns Head Coach Mark Hudspeth includes LSU Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada.

It finally feels like winter in Louisiana as a cold front has crossed the Bayou State. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he is seeking to replace voting machines, and maybe the way we vote. He says a touch screen system that would produce a paper ballot showing you how you voted is one proposal…:
Cut 15 (04) “audit capability”
The bidding process is pending approval from the Division of Administration.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says a pedestrian was killed by a train Tuesday in Hammond. The identity of the victim has not yet been released.

Two Slidell Junior High School students are arrested after allegedly bringing a firearm to school. Police say a 14-year-old brought the weapon while a 12-year-old showed the gun to several students. Cops said the students were male and female, but would not provide further information.

The Richwood High football team is headed to New Orleans on Friday to play in the Class 3A state championship against West Feliciana, and there’s an effort underway in Monroe to help get Rams students to The Dome to cheer on their team. Tyrone Dickens is trying to help raise money through his non-profit program K-9 Outreach, because many students can’t afford the trip…:
Cut 7 (09) “this team”
You can contact Dickens through his K-9 outreach program to donate.

A cold front has crossed the state, bringing Louisiana its coldest weather of the season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we can expect to see clouds and lingering rain through tomorrow. He says break out the sweaters and winter coats…:
Cut 4 (08) “few days”
Keim says by Friday and over the weekend, we’ll see temperatures in the 30s in the morning with afternoon highs in the 50s.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he is seeking to replace voting machines. He is awaiting funding approval from the state Division of Administration to begin the bidding process. A new touch screen system would provide better confirmation from voters…:
Cut 13 (08) “you voted”
He says another option they are exploring is a way to let voters cast ballots in their precinct, even if they are in another part of the state.

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville is known for being haunted but it isn’t too often that visitors get to take a picture with a ghost. Tour Director Hester Eby says a group of women took a picture in the breezeway and it appears that Chloe wanted to photo bomb the selfie…:
Cut 10 (11) “left earlobe”
Eby says The Myrtles is already nationally known as a haunted house but expects the viral photo will help bring in visitors in the near future.

Louisiana’s new state treasurer John Schroder was sworn into office Tuesday evening. The Republican fills the remaining two years of the term vacated by John Kennedy, who left the job after winning election to the U.S. Senate.