An Impeachment vote is expected tonight on the House floor on two articles related to the President’s alleged effort to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Bidens in exchange for military aid. Congressman Ralph Abraham will vote against Impeaching President Trump, but expects the Democratic-controlled House will vote in favor.
Cut 4 (08) “dictators”
New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says in the transcript of the controversial telephone call, the President said can you do us a favor after Ukraine asked for military aid.

Holiday shoppers have one week to complete their shopping lists, but shopping expert Claudia Lombana says you can still find great deals, especially on Super Saturday…
Cut 13 (13) “…electronics and apparel.”

State Representative Blake Miguez has been elected as the new House GOP Caucus Chairman. Matt Doyle spoke with the Erath Republican about his new role…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles says it has determined that an EF-3 tornado traveled 62 miles from DeRidder to Alexandria. It had winds between 140 and 160 miles per hour and the tornado was 400 yards wide at its largest. A 59-year-old woman from Rospine died when a twister hit her mobile home. Rosepine is just north of DeRidder.

After six hours of debate, an Impeachment vote against President Donald Trump is expected tonight. It’s expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House, but Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham expects to see a few Democrats from red-leaning districts to vote against the two articles…
cut 5 (10) “….re-elect”

The National Weather Service says it was an E-F 3 tornado that traveled from DeRidder to Alexandria killing one person in Vernon Parish. Governor John Bel Edwards says tornado damage is widespread throughout Beauregard, Vernon and Rapides parishes….
cut 8 (10) “…very seriously damaged”
Edwards says it’s too early to tell if the storm-damaged area is eligible for public assistance.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez is taking over as the new House Republican Caucus Chairman. Republicans are two votes shy of a supermajority in the House and Miguez says the key for the next term will be creating a unified Republican block that can act as one.
Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana”
The 38-year-old is set to begin his second term in January.

Christmas Day is one week from today and if you haven’t completed your Christmas Shopping, you are not alone. One report says 66-percent of all shoppers will do last minute shopping this year and shopping expert Claudia Lombana says there will be deals to be had…
cut 15 (10) “…and apparel”
The National Retail Federation predicts 148-million consumers will shop on Super Saturday, up from 134-million last year.

The National Weather Service has confirmed it was an EF 3 tornado that started in DeRidder and skipped along to Alexandria on Monday with winds between 140 and 160 miles per hour. Governor John Bel Edwards has toured the storm damage in Rapides Parish and says preliminary assessments have begun for both public and private assistance…
cut 7 (08) “…will be met”
Edwards says about 100 homes in Rapides Parish were impacted by the twister.

The votes are reportedly there for the U-S House to impeach President Trump for allegedly abusing his power and obstructing Congress. If impeached, the Senate will hold a trial on the two articles passed. Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham predicts Donald Trump will be acquitted…
cut 6 (07) “…concerned”

Procrastination may pay off for shoppers looking for a deal. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “ I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The college football early signing period is underway as the LSU Tigers are expected to sign at least 20 players for the 2020 recruiting class that’s currently ranked third, behind Clemson and Alabama. The Tigers are getting most of their recruits out of state, including Elias Ricks from California, who is considered the top cornerback in the nation.

An Impeachment vote is expected today on the House floor on two articles related to the President’s alleged effort to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Bidens in exchange for military aid. Congressman Ralph Abraham will vote against Impeaching President Trump, but expects the Democratic-controlled House will vote in favor.
Cut 4 (08) “dictators”
New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says based on the transcript provided the President said can you do us a favor after Ukraine asked for military aid.

A week from today is Christmas Day. Shopping expert Claudia Lombana says for those who still need to ship gifts, the deadline to ship is Saturday so they arrive by Christmas…
cut 14 (12) “…there on time”

State Representative Blake Miguez has been elected as the new House GOP Caucus Chairman. Matt Doyle spoke with the Erath Republican about his new role…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles says it has determined that an EF-3 tornado traveled 62 miles from DeRidder to Alexandria. It had winds between 140 and 160 miles per hour and the tornado was 400 yards wide at its largest. A 59-year-old woman from Rospine died when a twister hit her mobile home. Rosepine is just north of DeRidder.

The National Weather Service has confirmed it was an E-F three tornado that started in DeRidder and skipped along to Alexandria on Monday with winds between 140 and 160 miles per hour. A woman in Vernon Parish died as a result of the twister, but Governor John Bel Edwards says the casualties could have been worse. The tornado ripped off the roof at Hope Christian Academy in Alexandria, but Edwards says school leaders acted quickly…
cut 9 (08) “…one minor injury”
Edwards says about 100 homes in the Alexandria area were impacted by the twister.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez has been elected chairman of the House Republican Delegation. Miguez expects the House to pass a lot of conservative legislation…
Cut 11 (09) “…priorities.”
Edwards will hold his end of the year press conference today.

Matt Doyle spoke with Congressman Ralph Abraham ahead of today’s Impeachment vote in the House…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

In Monroe, Mayor Jamie Mayo has kicked off his re-election campaign. Qualifying for the April primary is next month

Matt Doyle spoke with Congressman Ralph Abraham ahead of today’s Impeachment vote in the House…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Representative Blake Miguez is taking over as the House GOP Caucus Chairman. Matt Doyle spoke with the Erath Republican about his new role…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Procrastination may pay off for shoppers looking for a deal. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “ I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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An Impeachment vote is expected today on the House floor on two articles related to the President’s alleged campaign to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Bidens in exchange for military aid.

Congressman Ralph Abraham will vote against Impeaching President Trump, but says it’s all but certain that a majority of the Democratic-controlled House will vote in favor.

Cut 4 (08) “dictators”

An AP poll of Representatives shows enough votes in favor of Impeachment to succeed.

While it’s a near-lock that Impeachment will occur, Abraham says there’s a chance you see a few Democratic defections from Representatives in red-leaning districts.

Cut 5 (10) “…re-elect”

The vote pushed one Democrat, New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew, to change parties.

Once the President is impeached, the Senate will take up a trial based on the two Articles passed. Abraham says if the Senate even takes up the issue, Trump will be acquitted.

Cut 6 (07) “…concerned.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards was in Rapides Parish offering updates on the tornado outbreak recovery effort.  Edwards says preliminary damage assessments have begun for both public and private assistance.

Cut 7 (08) “…will be met.”

Tornado damage is widespread throughout Beauregard, Vernon and Rapides Parishes, with one person dying in a mobile home in Vernon Parish.

Cut 8 (10) “…very seriously damaged.”

Both detention centers in Rapides lost power.  Three schools were heavily impacted with major damage.  Edwards credited school leaders at Hope Baptist Christian Academy for the foresight they displayed and says it is a great example of why it is important to have an emergency plan in place.

Cut 9 (08) “…one minor injury.”

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Erath Representative Blake Miguez is taking over as the new House Republican Caucus Chairman. Republicans are two votes shy of a supermajority in the House and Miguez says the key for the next term will be creating a unified Republican block that can act as one.

Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana”

The 38-year-old was first elected in 2015.

Miguez expects the House to produce quite a bit of conservative legislation, and hopes Governor Edwards, who has tangled with House leaders for years, won’t be an obstructionist with his veto power.

Cut 11 (09) “…priorities.”

Miguez echoed sentiments similar to those of new GOP Senate Caucus Chair Sharon Hewitt, who singled out a few early policy priorities.

Cut  12 (09) “successful.” 

The Erath Republican is replacing Alexandria Representative Lance Harris in the position.

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Holiday shoppers may almost be out of time, but shopping expert Claudia Lombana says consumers aren’t out of luck when it comes to getting a great deal.  Lombana says one day shoppers need to pay attention to is Super Saturday.

Cut 13 (13) “…electronics and apparel.”

For those that need to have online items shipped to themselves or someone on their shopping list before the 25th, Lombana says the purchase cutoff is coming up fast.

Cut 14 (12) “…there on time.”

Lombana says even if procrastinating shoppers miss both the online shipping cutoff and Super Saturday, retailers are still willing to cut a deal up until the last minute.

Cut 15 (10) “…electronics and apparel.”

About 66% of all shoppers will be doing some last minute shopping this year.

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Today begins the early signing period for college football and the LSU Tigers are in a position to bring home a top-four recruiting class. 24-7 sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says Coach Ed Orgeron has recruited one of his best classes

Cut 16  (23)  …at Westgate” 

LSU is expected to sign two quarterbacks today. Ponchatoula’s T-J Finley and Max Johnson from Georgia. Dixon says the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson just had a big senior season

Cut 17  (19) “at quarterback” 

Dixon says LSU is loading up on defensive tackles in this class. U-High’s Jaquelin Roy, Haynesville’s CamRon Jackson and Alexandria’s Jacobian Guillory. Dixon says Guillory is an impressive prospect…

cut 18  (18)     Guillory”  

Last night was a special night for the Saints and Quarterback Drew Brees as the future Hall of Famer became the new career passing touchdown record holder, surpassing Peyton Manning in a 34-7 win over the Colts. Brees threw four touchdown passes on the night and has 541 for his career, but he says he can’t spend much time reflecting on his latest record…
Cut 5 (12) “…so appreciative.”

DOTD is rolling out new safety measures. Back in June, 49-year-old Johnny Cole was killed after being struck by an 18-wheeler near Ruston. Cole was a sign specialist for the state Department of Transportation. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says new safety cones with alarms will start to go up near work sites to alert workers…
Cut 7 (10) “…react as well.”
Mallett says the state is also adding 70 trailers that will flash a bright arrow in work zones.

Alexandria is among the areas getting a clearer picture today of the devastation left by yesterday’s twister outbreak. Mayor Jeff Hall says damage to homes, businesses, and churches is most concentrated on the western side of the city.
Cut 12 (09) “…variety of areas.” 
About a thousand homes were without electricity during the peak of a power outage.  Closed roads slowed down the work of power crews, but they have since been reopened.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt will lead the Senate Republican caucus in the upcoming session, with the job of uniting the Upper Chambers’ GOP supermajority.The fall elections likely brought an end to a Senate that aligned itself with Governor Edwards over the past four years, and Hewitt says they’re still pinpointing exactly what issues will take precedence in the spring, but so far the caucus seems to be on board with one lingering issue.

Cut 11 (10) “insurance”

Alexandria is recovering today as one of many communities impacted by a deadly series of twisters that cut through the state. Mayor Jeff Hall says schools, churches, and homes across the western side of the city have been severely damaged, and the Johnny Downs Sports Complex saw extensive damage.

Cut 14 (08) “…out and rebuild.”

Hall says about a thousand homes were without electricity during the peak of a power outage.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt takes over as the Senate Republican Caucus Chair in the upcoming session as the GOP enters the session with a supermajority in the Upper Chamber. The fall elections brought an end to a Governor Edwards friendly Senate and Hewitt is optimistic the chamber can pass a more conservative agenda.

Cut 9 (09) “…caucus”

Erath Rep. Blake Miguez was named House GOP Caucus Chair.

Move over Peyton Manning, Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the NFL’s career touchdown passing king. Brees surpassed Manning’s mark of 539 TD passes and actually ran the record up to 541 in last night’s blowout win over the Colts. The 40-year-old appreciates what football has given to him…

Cut 4 (12) “…for ever”

Brees threw for over 300 yards and four TDs last night, and even broke the single game record for passing accuracy.

DOTD lays out plans for increased safety measures at a ceremony honoring Johnny Cole, an employee killed on the job when he was struck by an 18-wheeler this summer.  DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will implement a spotter for two-person crews.

Cut 6 (08) “…are paying attention.”