LRN PM Newscall December 18

The National Weather Service reports a deadly tornado that tore through central Louisiana was a highly powerful EF-3.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

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Governor Edwards highlights the success of his administration during 2019, the final year of his first term. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator John Kennedy says Democrats may support impeachment in the House, but there’s next to no shot the Senate will vote to remove the President.

Kennedy says House Democrats failed to prove the President tried to without military aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into the Bidens.

Cut 3 (07) “…fried chicken.”

Polls show Americans are still sharply divided on the issue along partisan lines, and Kennedy says the Upper Chamber is as well, which makes the odds of President Trump being removed slim to none.

Cut 4 (11) “…as well”

An AP poll of House Representatives shows Democratic defections on impeachment in the House will be in the low single digits.

Once the House votes to impeach, Kennedy says the Senate will take up the issue in the first week of the New Year.

Cut 5 (10) “Trump”

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A tornado that flattened parts of central Louisiana during it’s 62 mile trip from DeRidder to Alexandria is confirmed to have peaked at EF-3, with winds of 140 to 160 miles per hour.

NWS Forecaster Kent Kuyper says the twister peaked at a remarkable 400 yards wide but varied wildly depending on where it was.

Cut 6 (07) “…strength.”

Kuyper says it’s the biggest tornado he’s seen strike the region in his 20 years out of Lake Charles…

Cut 7 (08) “…EF-2”

The system was a full EF-3 when it entered southwest Alexandria, but had dipped down to around an EF-1 when passing south of Leesville.

The tornado grew as the system moved through the region, and Kuyper says he had upgraded the situation from a regular tornado, before making a rare declaration as it approached Alexandria…

Cut 8 (11) “dangers.”

One person died in Vernon Parish as a result of the event when their mobile home was crushed by another trailer that had been flung by the high winds.

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At his end of the year press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards said it’s a good time to be a Louisianan right now. Edwards says not only can the state say it’s home to LSU and the Saints, but Louisiana’s economy continues to grow

Cut 9 (13) “…in Lousiana”

Edwards says one of the big economic development wins this year was the retaining of CenturyLink’s corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025.

The governor says they continue to see positive results from the expansion of the Medicaid program, which is providing insurance to 466-thousand residents. Edwards says a recent Tulane study found more people are going to the doctor and taking their necessary medication

Cut 10 (07) “…our goal”

Edwards says in 2019 budget stability was achieved for the first time in years. He says it led to a pay raise for teachers and additional investments into education

Cut 11 (10) “in a decade”

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A spirited debate is ongoing on the House floor today ahead of tonight’s vote to impeach President Donald Trump. New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is the lone member of Louisiana’s House delegation who supports removing President Trump out of office because he’s doing irreparable harm to our country…

Cut 12 (11) “…Donald Trump” 

Richmond says Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine into investigating a political rival in exchange for military aid

Cut 13 (07) “…to justice.”

But Republican Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton says it’s the House Democrats who are abusing their power

Cut 14 (13) “…due process.”

1:30 LRN Newscast December 18

The U-S House has been debating the impeachment of President Donald Trump today. A vote on two articles is expected to pass, but Louisiana Senator John Kennedy doesn’t see upper chamber convicting the President of abusing his power or obstruction of Congress…
cut 4 (11) “…as well”
Once the House votes to impeach, Kennedy says the Senate will take up the issue in the first week of the New Year.

A tornado that left a path of destruction during its 62 mile trip from DeRidder to Alexandria is confirmed to have peaked at EF-3, with winds of 140 to 160 miles per hour. National Weather Service forecaster Kent Kuyper says at its peak, the twister was 400 yards wide, but varied widley depending on where it was….
Cut 6 (07) “…strength.”
Kuyper says it’s the biggest tornado he’s seen in Louisiana in 20 years.

Governor Edwards highlights the success of his administration during 2019, the final year of his first term. Jeff Palermo has the story…
voicer 2 (31) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

Erath Representative Blake Miguez has been elected as chairman of the House Republican Caucus. Miguez on what G-O-P legislators would like to tackle in the next term…
cut 12 (09) “….successful”
Miguez replaces Alexandria Representative Lance Harris as House GOP chairman.

11:30 LRN newscast December 18

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.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez has been elected as chairman of the House Republican Caucus. Miguez on what G-O-P legislators would like to tackle in the next term…
cut 12 (09) “….successful”
Miguez is entering his second term and replaces Alexandria Representative Lance Harris as House GOP caucus chairman.

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

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. So far, the Tigers have also signed two quarterbacks today, Ponchatoula’s T-J Finley and Max Johnson from Georgia. But five-star wide receiver Rakim Jarrett has decided not to sign with LSU, instead he’s going to Maryland.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

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”
The Tigers have also signed two quarterbacks today, Ponchatoula’s T-J Finley and Max Johnson from Georgia.

Louisiana Tech star cornerback Amik Robertson has announced he’s entering the N-F-L draft and he will not play in the Independence Bowl.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton said today that claiming veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins off of waivers gives the Black and Gold defense versatility, which is important down the stretch. Eli Apple, Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore and P-J Williams have served as the team’s lead corners and it’s unclear what role Jenkins will have in New Orleans.

The McNeese football team is ineligible for the F-C-S playoffs in 2020 because of a poor Academic Progress Rate. But athletic director Bruce Hemphill says first-year head coach Sterlin Gilbert is already making strides to improve the team’s A-P-R and the hope is that this will be just a one-year postseason ban.

In basketball, the Pelicans lost their 13th straight as they fell to Brooklyn 108 to 101 in overtime. They’ll try again tonight in Minnesota. In college hoops, Louisiana Tech defeated North Carolina Central 69-60. Tonight, LSU hosts East Tennessee State and Southland Conference play begins and the Ragin Cajuns begin Sun Belt play at Arkansas State.

10:30 LRN Newscast

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.

9:30 LRN Newscast December 18

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.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 18

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.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 18

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 18

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says he expects the Tigers will sign 22 or 23 players on the first day of the early signing period. Two of the signees are expected to be quarterbacks. Ponchatoula’s T-J Finley and Max Johnson from Georgia. 24-7 recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson just had a big senior season…
cut 17 (19) “…at quarterback”
Heading into today, LSU has the third highest-rated recruiting class according to 24-7 sports. Clemson is number one, Alabama is two.

Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson has entered the N-F-L draft and will not play in the Independence Bowl.

Seven Saints have been voted to the Pro Bowl, Terron Armstead, Drew Brees, Marshon Lattimore, Will Lutz, Michael Thomas, and return specialist Deonte Harris. The seven selections lead the N-F-C, but you could also make a case that tackle Ryan Ramcyzk and linebacker DeMario Davis should have been named pro bowlers.

Ragin Cajuns senior offensive lineman Kevin Dotson is just the second player from U-L Lafayette to be named an AP All-American. The Plaquemine native has helped the Cajuns produce the nation’s second-best rushing attack. Orlando Thomas is the school’s only other AP All-American.

The McNeese football team is ineligible for the F-C-S playoffs in 2020 because of a poor Academic Progress Rate.

The Pelicans lost their 13th straight last night, falling to Brooklyn in overtime 108-to-101. In college hoops, Marquette defeated Grambling 93-72 and Louisiana Tech downed North Carolina Central 69-60.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 18

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