The superintendent closed down the entire Los Angeles Unified School district over a threatening email sent to School Board Members last night. Police say it targeted all schools in the system. chief charlie beck lapd the implied threat was explosive devices. The specific threat was assault rifles and machine pistols. New york Authorities Say they received the same email, but called it a hoax. Los angeles officials are defending the superintendents decision to close schools and say they took the precaution based on recent terror attacks in San Bernardino and overseas. mayor Garcetti Los Angeles our first job is to ensure people are safe in our city. Some students are more concerned about their exams than a potential threat. Jasmine CastroHollywood High School student im just getting worried about finals, cuz i studied a lot for my french final. standup bridge Chris Martinez cbs news, los angeles the superintendent ordered authorities to inspect every school by the end of the day. ray cortines superinte ndent, lausd i want every school safe. Chris Martinez paul joncich the clark quick to respond today, saying they did not receive any threats but they are prepared. In a statement they said quote we have many security measures that help prevent crime, from the design of our buildings to diligent staff trained to report any suspicious behavior, as well as Surveillance Systems in place. They say they have a Crisis Response plan. And are confident in their police force that patrols their campuses. day the Security Threat was sent to School Districts in los angeles and new york. A previously scheduled conference on cybersecurity is being held in North Carolina. Focusing on stopping threats. a. R. Mullinax exec. Vp strategic services, duke energy its important for us to be constantly working to secure our network knowing that we would need to respond and recover very quickly. So we work on the architecture of our company to make it very reliable so that we can continue to isolate instances so that the network as a whole continues to be reliable and we serve our customers. the event is a joint effort sponsored by the North Carolina chamber. And the us chamber of commerce among others. Top experts from government. Law enforcement. And the private sector are meeting to discuss the best practices to enhance security. paul joncich today was one of those days. If you were in the shade. The wind cut right through you. Freeze alerts have been issued starting late tonight lets check out your forecast. Freeze warnings through many areas from pahrump to primm and over to kingman. Freeze warnings also for the Colorado River valley. All start tonight at 10 and go until 8 am tomorrow. What this means is many neighborhoods in that freeze warning will be in the low to mid 20s and freezing for sure. Heres what to expect in the next 24 to 48 hours. Freezing to below freezing. Overnight temps forecasted in the valley around 23 to 31 degrees. Those 20s of course will be those neighborhoods in the edges of the valley. Its prime time to think pipes, plants, pools and pets when it gets this cold. Heres your evening planner. 40s in the evening with 11 oclock temps already in the 30s. But you factor in the winds which will still be breezy, then the feels like temps will already be in the 30s by 7 pm. Well have more on your forecast paul joncich a custodian for the clark county School District is facing charges after he performed a sex act in an empty Elementary School classroom. According to a police report, Michael Skelton was filling in as a custodian for dondero Elementary School. Contaminated items in her classroom. School police set up surveillance in her classroom and according to their report. Recorded skelton performing a sex act in the classroom several times. When confronted by police skelton admitted to performing the sex act about 36 times in that classroom since the start of school. He told police he found the teacher attractive. He is said to be a floating janitor, meaning he works at different campuses across the district. He is charged with poisoning food and open and gross lewdness. Denise Valdez the and bloodied a Metro Sergeant. Has pleaded guilty to attempted murder of that Police Officer. This is what Metro SergeantTabitha Baker looked like. After she tried to arrest omar brisbane. Who was the suspect in a burglary. Baker says brisbane was sitting on her chest punching her. And she got knocked out. When she woke up, brisbane was trying to get her gun, but he didnt succeed. Baker chased after brisbane after he took off. She still suffers from nerve damage from the attack. Brisbane pleaded guilty to 7 counts today. He will be sentenced in february. paul joncich metro police are asking for help in identifying several shooting suspects. Heres a look at a surveillance image sent to us. Police say the group is connected to a shooting near pecos and washington back on november 20th. According to police. The three walked up to a man and pulled out a gun. Then shot him when he pulled out his own firearm. That victim is recovering. Anyone who recognizes the men in this photo is asked to call police or crimestoppers. Denise Valdez making sure your Holiday Gifts arrive in one piece. Behind shipping. And the extra care some Companies Take to make sure your stuff gets to loved ones. Without damage. announcer youre watching 8 news now at 4 with Denise Valdez and paul joncich. The news of Southern Nevada is now. paul joncich millions of packages will be shipped this holiday season. And shipping companies are using science to protect those gifts. The fed ex packaging project engineer is using his degree in packaging science to make better boxes. He tests them in all sorts of situations like dropping a box it on its corner. Determinining how much weight it can support. And how trips by air. Sea. And land impact a package. The ultimate goal. Making sure your gifts arrive in one piece david nelson fedex packaging project engineer people are sending something they put their heart and soul in selecting for that person. paul joncich as a reminder. If you still havent had a chance to ship your gifts. You have until december 19th to using the first class option. Denise Valdez 8 news now is ringing in the new year for one viewer with free mortgage or lease for a year. Weve teamed up with our sponsor. Gavish real estate. To pay up to 15 thousand dollars. Well randomly choose 8 finalists to attend the zowie bowie show at red rock on new years eve. And well announce the winner during our live special to enter. Just head to our our 8 new now Facebook Page, Community PrideFacebook Page or website. You must be at least 21. Have a mortgage or lease on a home and be in Good Standing with the lender and owner. Denise Valdez the race for to the white house. Passing through las vegas. paul joncich what voters choice for news. This is 8 news now at 4. Denise Valdez we are now just hours away from the final Republican Debate of 2015. The candidates are in las vegas for this December Political showdown. paul joncich this comes as the front runner, donald trump is seeing a new surge in the national polls. But experts say ted cruz and marco rubio could be contenders for the nomination. Patranya bhoolsuwan is live at the venetian. Where preparations are underway Patranya Bhoolsuwan this is the first time the gop president ial candidates will be together on stage in more than a month. The latest Monmouth University poll shows donald trump with his widest lead yet going into the debate. He has about 41 percent of support among likely Republican Voters but with this last debate of 2015, anything can happen and the voters we talked to say they are far from making up their minds < Patranya Bhoolsuwan it will all happen here inside the Venetian Hotel and casino. Just steps away from world famous las vegas strip. The lights are on and the cameras are ready for the fifth Republican National debate with tv crews here from all over the world. Front runner donald trump. With his namesake hotel and tower just a stone throw away from the venetian. Alrea they expect to see from him tonight. john olson visiting from wisconsin hes like an unmanageable little spoiled boy if he doesnt get his way, pick up his toy and go home. Patranya Bhoolsuwan john olson is visiting from ripon wisconsin, which hes proud to say is the birthplace of the republican party. He says he hasnt made up his mind on who to vote for come 2016. But he knows what hes looking for. john olson visiting from wisconsin i like to hear somebody take charge, take charge and give us some leadership. judy schope visiting from atlanta you know theres something fun about trump but i am just not sure i will be able to push the button. Patranya Bhoolsuwan for judy schope she says watching the debate tonight will help her narrow down candidates especially when it comes to their stance on current issues. judy schope visiting from atlanta i think National Security is probably the biggest thing right now. sound of protestors outside venetian. Patranya Bhoolsuwan outside the venetian, protestors gathered for what they call a no hate debate countering back against what they call discriminatory proposals coming out of the gop. Including trumps current plan to ban all muslims from entering the country in light of recent in paris and san bernandino county. sound of preps on debate stage Patranya Bhoolsuwan thats one topic that will be sure to heat up on this stage tonight. Trump and 8 other candidates whose polling numbers were high enough to qualify for the prime time debate will get going starting at 5 30 pm pacific time. The 4 other president ial contenders will face off in the undercard round two and half hours earlier. Patranya Bhoolsuwan in all about 14hundred people will be in the audience inside the venetian theater for this debate. Its an invite only event. All the seats are already taken. paul joncich how is this debate set up different from the democratic one at the wynn . We got that same energy of being with venetian playing host. That means one person who will be watching closely is the owner of this hotel and casino. Sheldon adelson. As you know hes been a long time donor to republican party. He has not officially endorsed any candidate. And i am sure most will be trying to win him over. Because that also means lots of money coming their way. Denise Valdez 8 news now is your neighborhood election headquarters. Follow all the developments. On air. And online. And dont forget to watch politics now which airs sundays at 530 pm. paul joncich senator dean heller is the host republican senator from nevada for the debate tonight. In an interview here at channel 8 with dave courvoisier, senator heller said he anticipates a focused debate on specific topics. i think defense is going to be the top issue tonight and i certainly hope that they get into Economic Issues because thats whats important the las vegas right now heller came out in support of governor jeb bush a couple of months ago, and sees bush moving to the top of the field in 2016. Denise Valdez freeze warning tonight for parts of Southern Nevada. Toss to weather < tedd florendo cold and breezy outside right now with temps in the 40s and feels like temps even colder right now. Winds are still blowing a little from the north and cold air coming in from the north still. Current temps outside already in the high 40s and cold through the valley right now with colder temps up in kyle canyon. High 40s in the east to southeast sections of the valley. Colder over to the foothills and the west part of town. Regional temps also cold at this hour from mesquite all the way down to laughlin with coldest temps up in the central part of. Big dip in the jetstream from boise all the way to new mexico. Coldest sector within that dip in the jetstream keeping things cold from here to the upper midwest while the deep south stays mild in those 60s. So we have hard freeze warnings in these areas in the purple. Again these areas could see temp dipping down to 20 to 25 by early morning. Clearer weather outside but still seeing some of those north breezes sticking around. Clouds clearing even more overnight and that could actually make it feel colder with clearer skies. Were tracking that low and it is now in the plains states and spinning snow in the nebraska and over to south dakota and even denver. Tonight expect a low of 31 degrees and cold. North breezes around will make our feels like temps in the morning feel more like 26 degrees. Tomorrow expect a high of 48 and less wind tomorrow and well be nearly 10 degrees below average. Now here are your forecast lows overnight. 30s to 20s everywhere with the coldest temps in the edges of the valley and me away from the center. Aliante and summerlin along with Mountains Edge and anthem definitely below freezing. Colder outside of town in pahrump where we have that freeze warning and cold from laughlin all the way to mesquite. Extended forecast shows we finally warm up to near average by friday. Warmer weekend with breezes and next chances for showers could be by monday evening and tuesday origional man behind the movie. Denise Valdez hear from star wars creator george lucas about what hes feeling ahead of the release of the newest film. paul joncich were just days away from the opening of the most anticipated movie of the year. Denise Valdez the red carpet was rolled out for the stars of star wars the force awakens at the hollywood premiere last night. The premiere was so massive it shut down four city blocks. Thats compared to just one block for the oscars. The latest chapter brings alongside longtime fan favorites. As anticipation continues to build for the friday release. Fans are already camping outside theaters. Presale tickets have brought in more than 50 Million Dollars so far. paul joncich the franchises creator. George lucas. Walked the red carpet last night. But for the first time he is not in full control of a star wars movie. After selling the rights to disney in 2012. George Lucas Star Wars creator i made that decision because i looked at the future, i looked at the fact that i was gonna have a baby, i looked at the fact that i was married, and i looked at the fact that i wanted to build a museum, and i looked at the fact that i wanted to make experimental films. So my life was going on a different track. So that started that ball rolling. lucas got fourbillion dollars for the sale. And although he says the new chapter will be different than what he would have done. He knows it will be a huge Denise Valdez all eyes on las vegas tonight. Well go back out live and check in as we count down to tonights Republican Debate. paul joncich plus bracing for a verdict. How the city of baltimore is preparing for the worst. As they wait for a verdict in a car gives you freedom. Room to grow. And in time, room to grow up. Your dream car evolves, and protecting it takes committed support. Choice for news. This is 8 news now at 4 Denise Valdez all eyes will back on nevada tonight with the fifth and final debate for the gop president ial about to get underway. paul joncich Patranya Bhoolsuwan is live inside the spin room where reporters from around the world are gathered . Patranya, set the scene for us. Patranya Bhoolsuwan a number of political pundits have come out saying that this is the debate to watch. With this being the first one since some big world events involving terrorism and National Security. Of course we are talking about what happened in paris and San Bernadino county. Candidates will be trying to flex their political muscles and show they have what it takes to be both a national and Global Leader on fighting groups like Denise Valdez donald trump is surging in the polls despite his recent controversial comments regarding banning all muslims from entering the the us . What are you hearing from potential voters, people who will be watching the debate tonight . Patranya Bhoolsuwan we talked to a number of people here outside the property. The democrats of course not a big fan. But republicans they are kinda torn, one woman says its fun to watch him, but when it comes down to it. She may not be able to vote for him. Another guy says he feels trump wants the best for the country, but he also calls him a big baby. paul joncich and this is in las vegas . What does this say about what our state means in this upcoming election . Patranya Bhoolsuwan i posed this question to the Republican NationalCommittee Spokesperson he says nevada is huge for the party. Not only for primaries coming up in february but for the general election. The gop candidates know its competitive and need to woo our very diverse population. Number one individual donor in the last election cycle. Denise Valdez tonights debate will likely have a serious impact on voters in the early primaries. Cnns tom foreman takes a look at which candidates are currently in the lead. Lets look at the early states, they all go off in february and their votes are the performance of the candidates, its not winner take all. Iowa is first, there weve been talking about it. Trump and cruz are virtually tied and would split those 27 delegates almost evenly if the vote happened today and if the polls are right. In new hampshire, trump has a bigger lead, but now look whos in second, its Chris Christie and marco rubio and ted cruz. Bring it down to South Carolina where you have 50 delegates in play. And there trump has a big lead, and now its ben carson, ted cruz and marco rubio. And over here in nevada, another equation altogether. Here, it is donald trump out front, second place is ben carson. So you can see the challenge in this debate. These challengers, in their first rush, not only have to knock donald trump down, but if they cant do that, somebody needs to come in as a second contender or the race could be over pretty fast. Because once you get past the first rush in february look what happens in march. Now you have 13 states in one day with hundreds of delegates we dont have great polling out here to know how the candidates are all doing. But we do know that in many of these States Donald trumps agenda plays very, very well. So again, thats why this debate matters so very much. Because it is the last face to face chance that these other candidates have to somehow stop his momentum if they want to keep this race alive and not have it over really fast. Denise Valdez we are out there live throughout the debate. So well bring you analysis throughout our evening newscasts. paul joncich two people are killed in separate Police Shooting in less than 24 hours. The most recent incident happened last night near walnut and alexander during a robbery investigation. Police say they went to the home where a suspects vehicle was registered. Once they arrived. Investigators say a man came out of the home and pointed a gun at officers. One of the officers shot the man several times. and earlier yesterday afternoon near craig and nellis. Officers responded to a report of a suicidal woman. After an hourslong standoff with swat. Police say 48yearold brenda home. Held the gun to her head and tried to pull the trigger. But then turned it on police swat snipers shot her. And she died at the scene. No one else was injured. These shootings mark the 13th and 14th officer involved shootings for metro this year. Denise Valdez the jury for the first trial in the death of deadlocked. However, the judge overseeing the case has told them to keep deliberating. Officer William Porter has been charged with manslaughter in the april 2014 death of gray in Baltimore Police custody. Prosecutors say he should have buckled gray in and called a medic after the 25 yearold prisoner asked for help. Porters lawyers say hes not to blame for grays death. Meanwhile, baltimore citys interim Police Commissioner says theyre prepared for reaction to the verdict kevin davis the preperations spring have been extraordinary. So weve taken into account a number of after action reports, weve implemented, the training, the equipment, the incident command csystem best practices. We now have significant experience under our belts. But they really mean nothing, without better relationship with the community. Denise Valdez porter faces charges of assault, manslaughter and misconduct in office. If convicted porter could face more than 10 years behind bars. paul joncich protestors are hitting the streets of california. After news broke that a Police Officer would not be charged for shooting a man climbing out of a wrecked suv. The video is from an incident on november 25. Officer Patrick Feaster followed 26 yearold Andrew Thomas after seeing him speed out of a parking lot with no headlights. Shortly after. The suv flips. Throwing thomas wife from the vehicle. She died at the scene. The video shows officer feaster walk towards the car. He attempts to get out through the window. Prosecutors called the shooting an accident. Saying feaster did not intentionally fire his pistol. But hundreds of protestors are calling for him to be removed from the force protesters cops pulling guns on people when theyre in a car accident, thats insanetheres something wrong with that cop, hes crazy . paul joncich thomas had a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit. Hes facing vehicular manslaughter charges in his wifes death and may be paralzed from the waist down. Denise Valdez were are bundling up for what will be another cold night. Some parts of Southern Nevada under a hard freeze warning too. Freeze alerts have been issued through many neighborhoods starting late tonight lets check out your forecast. Freeze warnings through many areas from pahrump to primm and over to kingman. Colorado river valley. All start tonight at 10 and go until 8 am tomorrow. What this means is many neighborhoods in that freeze warning will be in the low to mid 20s and freezing for sure. Heres what to expect in the next 24 to 48 hours. Freezing to below freezing. Overnight temps forecasted in the valley around 23 to 31 degrees. Those 20s of course will be those neighborhoods in the edges of the valley. Its prime time to think pipes, plants, pools and pets when it what drove this man to crash hisannouncer youre watching 8 news now at 4 with Denise Valdez and paul joncich. The news of Southern Nevada is now. Denise Valdez an oklahoma man is behind bars after intentionally driving his truck through a hotel lobby last week. Police say john edwards parsley was apparently angry over a billing dispute. A worker for the hotel says it centered around 264 dollar pre authorization charge on his debit card. The charge showed up after his card was declined and he was forced to pay for his room in cash. The hotel reportedly removed the charge, but that wasnt enough for parsley. No one was hurt. Parsley is now facing charges. paul joncich pete rose says hes disappointed. After the mlb announced this against him will not be lifted. The las vegas local held a News Conference at his restaurant on the strip. Saying hes a changed man. Mlb leaders say he still doesnt understand the damage he caused by making bets while he managed the cincinnati reds. While rose says he isnt happy about the news. Hes hoping to help the Younger Generation of players. pete rose mlb all time leader in hits you win some, you lose some. You get rained out unless youre in the dome. Thats just part of life. If i could change the way my life is lived, obviously i;d change. But you cant rewrite something thats already happened. You have to live with it. But you have to try to become a better person because of it. And make the people around you better people. paul joncich rose is mlbs all time leader in hits and is considered one of the greatest players in the league. But. Hes not eligible to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of fame because of the ban. busiest travel season. Ever. paul joncich how many people are expected to get away choice for news. This is 8 news now at 4. Denise Valdez this december will be the busiest Holiday Travel season ever. Triplea says some 100million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between december 23rd and january 3rd. Thats an all time high for Holiday Travel. Over the last seven years, more and more americans have celebrated the holidays away from home. paul joncich a heavier thanexpected storm hit denver overnight. Five inches of snow and plenty of ice. The weather even forced several schools to close. The white stuff is expected to continue before its all over, denver may see about eight inches of snowfall. Toss to weather < tedd florendo cold and breezy outside right now with temps in the 40s and feels like temps even colder right now. Winds are still blowing a little from the north and cold air coming in from the north still. Current temps outside already in the high 40s and cold through the valley right now with colder temps up in kyle canyon. High 40s in the east to southeast sections of the valley. Colder over to the foothills and the west part of town. Regional temps also cold at this hour from mesquite all the way down to laughlin with coldest temps up in the central part of the state from tonopah all teh way to pioche. Big dip in the jetstream from boise all the way to new mexico. Coldest sector within that dip in the jetstream keeping things cold from here to the upper midwest while the deep south stays mild in those 60s. So we have hard freeze warnings in these areas in the purple. Again these areas could see temp dipping down to 20 to 25 by early morning. Clearer weather outside but still seeing some of those north breezes sticking around. Clouds clearing even more overnight and that could actually make it feel colder with clearer skies. Were tracking that low and it is now in the plains states and spinning snow in the nebraska and over to south dakota and even denver. Tonight expect a low of 31 degrees and cold. North breezes around will make our feels like temps in the morning feel more like 26 degrees. Tomorrow expect a high of 48 and less wind tomorrow and well be nearly 10 degrees below average. Now here are your forecast lows overnight. 30s to 20s everywhere with the coldest temps in the edges of the valley and more away from the center. Aliante and summerlin along with Mountains Edge and anthem definitely below freezing. Colder outside of town in pahrump where we have that freeze warning and cold from laughlin all the way to mesquite. Extended forecast shows we finally warm up to near average by friday. Warmer weekend with breezes and next chances for showers could be by monday evening and tuesday you have until midnight to make sure under the government exchanges. Thats if you want to make sure you have insurance at the start of the new year. If you miss tonights deadline. Youll have until the end of january to register. That coverage would start later in 2016, though. People who choose not to get coverage will face steeper fines this year. With an average penalty of almost one thousand dollars. There are about 11million uninsured americans eligible to enroll in a Marketplace Health plan. paul joncich controlling reckless drones. Denise Valdez why a new policy from the faa is stirring up controversy. Plus. A School District employee arrested for lewd acts inside a classroom. Tonight on 8 news now at five, we break down the charges against Michael Skelton. How one of the teachers figured tt2watx gt p bt q;c tt2watx gt p a q ol tt2watx gt p bm q d tt4watx gt r dztq. T tt4watx gt r entq p 4 tt4watx gt r gzt il tt4watx gt r hnt y tt4watx gt r iztq 3jx tt4watx gt r jntq 8 tt4watx gt r lzt 9wd paul joncich a maryland man is facing charges after the fbi says he tried to help isis. Denise Valdez investigators say Mohamed Elshinawy received nearly ninethousand dollars, which he thought came from the terrorist group meant to finance an attack in the united states. Elshinawy told the fbi he was just trying to scam money out of the terrorist group. The criminal complaint says the 30yearold spent some of the money on a laptop, on pay asyougo phones, and some personal expenses. Theres no mention of him Rod Rosenstein in total, the terrorist organization provided mr. Elshinawy 8,700, and in order to receive this money, mr. Elshinawy allegedly engaged in communication with the terrorist organization in which he agreed he would work with them to carry out their criminal objectives here in the united states. paul joncich elshinawy was arrested friday. He faces several charges, including attempting to provide Material Support to a terrorist organization. paul joncich the faa is rolling out a new program to take control of reckless drones. Denise Valdez a study out this month reports more than 150 close calls with pilots in the last two years. Kris van cleave explains the controversy over the new policy. The increasingly crowded skies and reports of airborne close calls means starting monday, kneels grunhome will have to register with the faa to fly any of his 11 drones. nils sot tc 17 38 24 the technology is getting so that they are not so much toys anymore but its still a great gfx 1 in under the newly announced rules all drones weighing as little as 250 grams will have to be registered. Operators like grunhome will have until febuary 19th to register the drones they already own. Any purchased after december 21st when the registration website goes live will have to be registered before flight. gfx 1 out Scott Brenner is a former assistant faa administrator. kvc brenner exchange kvc 14 29 03 can a drone registration really make the skies safer . brenner 14 29 06 i think it can, i think its going to help the faa directly deal with the new drone user about what they need to know when they fly that drone. Through that education effort the faa hopes to reduce the reports of reckless drone use. gfx 2 in registration requires a persons name, Mailing Address and email. Each operator will be given an Registration Number that must be displayed on every drone owned. While the Drone Industry has been largely supportive of the effort, the academy of model disappointed with the new rule. Adding it makes the registration process an unnecessary burden for our more than 185,000 members who have been operating safely for decades. gfx 2 out others have questioned the faas decision to charge a 5 registration fee. Michael drobac is a lawyer who advocates for the Drone Industry. drobac sot 13 17 28 to suggest that this doesnt create disincentive for consumers, to sign up for a registry, i think would be somewhat nave. paul joncich the registry will help keep track of drones interfering with other aircrafts. Over the summer we saw as drones got in the way of First Responders trying to get a handle on wildfires. Denise Valdez nevada has inacted laws to also protect our skies. As of october first they must maintain certain flight heights. Steer clear of quote critical facilities. paul joncich thats all for us at 4. Denise valdez 8 news now at five starts after this. Dont forget. Were always on at las vegas now School Districts. chief charlie beck,southern