A planned chemical plant in St. James Parish may also be home to an unknown number of unmarked slave graves. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

Cynthia Perkins, a former Livingston Parish School teacher and wife of former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy Dennis Perkins has filed for divorce.  An attorney representing Cynthia Perkins tells WBRZ that she claims her husband has made sufficient threats against her and she is fearful of him. Both were formally charged on 150 combined counts, including rape and child pornography this week.

Joe Burrow’s Heisman acceptance speech also made him a spokesperson for hunger across the nation. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has received $50-thousand in donations since his speech. Food Bank CEO and President Mike Manning says they offer assistance to those in need in 11 parishes and have done so for more than 30 years. The people they help feed come from all backgrounds.

Cut 8 (11) “longer term.”

To make a donation visit brfoodbank.org and if you need assistance call 211 and ask the United Way for your local area Food Bank.

F King Alexander is leaving LSU to become the next president at Oregon State and rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be his replacement. On his radio call in show Governor stated he believes the LSU Board of Supervisors will have a lot of good candidates to choose from…

Cut 11 (06) “for the state”

When Joe Burrow accepted the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, the quarterback might not have realized it, but his heartfelt speech put a major spotlight on the issue of hunger in Southeast Ohio. The impact is also being felt in Baton Rouge.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says they’ve seen a $50-thousand increase in donations, and they continue to come in.

Cut 7 (12) “…into the new year”

Rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be the next president of the LSU System, replacing F-King Alexander. During his monthly call-in show, Governor Edwards says there’s a reason why Dardenne is an attractive candidate for the job

Cut 10 (10) “…in Louisiana”

President Donald Trump has been impeached on two Articles, Obstruction of Justice, and Abuse of Power. Matt Doyle has the reaction from Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

A federal appeals court based out of New Orleans has ruled the individual health insurance mandate in the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. But the court did not rule on whether all of the A-C-A is unconstitutional, so the nation’s health care law remains in place for now.

There’s a push to cancel construction of a 9.4 billion dollar chemical plant in St. James Parish after archeologists discover what may be an unknown number of unmarked slave graves. Local activist and RISE St. James Founder Sharon Lavigne says there’s no way the planned plant can continue now…

Cut 3, 8 seconds, ancestors

FG, the company building the Formosa plant, says they will comply with state law regarding to grounds.

Rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be the next president of the LSU System, replacing F-King Alexander. During his monthly call-in show, Governor John Bel Edwards did not shoot down those rumors

Cut 9 (11) “…to do”

When Joe Burrow accepted the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, the quarterback might not have realized it, but his heartfelt speech put a major spotlight on the issue of hunger in Southeast Ohio. The impact is also being felt here in Baton Rouge.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says Burrow is making a difference…

Cut 3 (13) “…so profound.”

To make a donation visit brfoodbank.org and if you need assistance call 211 and ask the United Way for your local area Food Bank.

The House impeached President Trump last night, but Speaker Pelosi says they’ll withhold the articles from the Senate until Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agrees to an impartial trial. Once that Senate trial begins, it could take anywhere from two weeks to two months to complete. Senator Bill Cassidy hopes the Upper Chamber will not linger on the issue.

Cut  12 (05) “fantasy” 

Louisiana sees a point six percent increase in higher ed enrollment when comparing this fall to last, one of the few states in the nation to do so…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Mike Farrar”

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President Donald Trump has been impeached on two Articles, Obstruction of Justice, and Abuse of Power. Matt Doyle has reaction from Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana CASA is seeking to diversify it’s volunteer base that’s predominately older, white, and female…

Cut 3 (31) “ I’m connor ferrill”

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A National Student Clearing House report shows Louisiana was one of 15 states to see college enrollment increases when comparing this fall semester to last year’s.

National enrollment numbers fell 1.3 percent, and Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says that’s in part because of a large demographic shift.

Cut 4 (07) “seen that”

The report notes total post-secondary enrollment has declined two million students over the decade.

While demographics play a part in the trend, Reed notes that the problem has been compounded by an economy that’s providing less short term incentive for people to pursue higher education.

Cut 5 (11) “…system”

Louisiana saw a .6 percent increase in enrollment, but Reed says the state will need to see a much larger increase to meet it’s end of decade goals.

Cut 6 (10) “…percent.”

Utah, New Hampshire, and Arizona led the nation in enrollment increases, while Alaska, Florida, and Arkansas saw the largest decreases.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s already met twice with Albany Representative Sherman Mack, who could be the next House Speaker. Edwards had numerous battles with House Republican leadership in the first term and he’s hoping for less friction in his second four years

Cut 7 (09) “…step forward.”

Mack has the support of a majority of House Republicans to be the next Speaker, which will be voted on by the full House on January 13th. The Republicans have a near supermajority in the House, but Edwards hopes the lower chamber will value people over party

Cut 8 (12) “…in Louisiana.”

Edwards says he’s fine with legislative independence, but he just doesn’t want to see a group of lawmakers become obstructionists

Cut 9 (10) “…through that”

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The House voted to impeach President Donald Trump last night, and the Senate will take up a removal trial the first week of January.

Senator Bill Cassidy says the Senate is preparing to take up the issue, but so far the only motive for impeachment he has seen is strictly partisan.

Cut 10 (08) “…hated him”

The House vote was strictly along party lines last night, and a potential Senate vote will likely be the same, but Cassidy says he expects a fair and impartial trial to be held.

Cut 11 (10) “…facts.”

A two-thirds vote is required to remove the President from office, a barrier that is highly unlikely to be met in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Trial time estimates range anywhere from two weeks to nearly two months, but Cassidy hopes the Upper Chamber will not linger on the issue.

Cut  12 (05) “fantasy” 

There is also the chance that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will outright reject the trial.

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Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children is pushing to attract more African American and male volunteers in an attempt to diversify it’s volunteer base.

CASA Louisiana Executive Director Kathleen Stewart Richey says nearly 60 percent of the children who get court-appointed volunteers are minorities, but most of their volunteers are white women.

Cut 13 (09) “…males.”

Stewart also adds that the average CASA volunteer is either retired, or near retirement, and while they need more young people to join the ranks…

Cut 14 (07) “…monthly.”

Stewart says the program needs to have more volunteers, seeing as 7,900 children are in foster care annually, but only 3,600 receive CASA agents.

Cut 15 (09) “…statewide”

Stewart made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

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LSU signed 19 players on the first day of the early signing period, including two five-star recruits, tight end Arik Gilbert and cornerback Elias Ricks. The recruiting class also features in-state stars like defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy and wide receiver Kayshson Boutte. The Tigers missed out on a couple of highly recruited receivers, but Coach Ed Orgeron still likes what he has

Cut 16  (16)  …outstanding class” 

There’s some bad news involving LSU star running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Orgeron says the Baton Rouge product suffered a hamstring injury during practice…

Cut 17  (12) “could not practice” 

It’s unclear if Edwards-Helaire will play in the semifinal matchup against Oklahoma. Orgeron says it may take the three other running backs on the roster collectively, Tyrion Davis-Price, John Emery and Chris Curry, fill the shoes of Clyde…

cut 18  (20)    can’t go”  

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New Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins is glad to be in New Orleans. The Giants released the veteran after he called a fan on Twitter a “retard.” On Wednesday, Jenkins apologized if he offended anyone for his choice of words and now he’s ready to help the Saints win a championship…

cut 19 (10)  to it ”  

Jenkins is 31-years-old and went to the Pro Bowl in 2016. This year he has four interceptions. It’s unclear if Jenkins will start Sunday versus the Titans or if he’ll be a nickel corner or line up on the outside…

cut 20 (07) “my abilities”    

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” 

While the rest of Louisiana’s delegation disagrees with Congressman Richmond’s position, It still appears it’s a lock for the House to vote to impeach. A Senate trial is expected to start sometime in the first week of January, and Senator John Kennedy says once it arrives in the Senate it’s dead as fried chicken.

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.

Governor Edwards celebrated the state’s progress over the past year at his end of year press conference. 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 touted economic development projects like the retaining of CenturyLink’s corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025.

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. National Weather Service Forecaster Kent 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”

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.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez has a new political role to play as the new House Republican Caucus Chairman. Miguez expects the House to put forth conservative legislation, but hopes that Democratic Governor Edwards won’t obstruct his efforts with the Governor’s power to veto legislation.

Cut 11 (09) “…priorities.”

Edwards will appear on the monthly “Ask The Governor” radio show which allows people to call into the program to question the Governor at 2 pm today on stations that carry the show.

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 withhold military aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into the Bidens.

Cut 3 (07) “…fried chicken.”

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

A quick look at the calendar shows one 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”

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.”

A twister outbreak results in widespread damage over various parishes and one death. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt will lead the Senate Republican caucus in the upcoming session, with the job of uniting the Upper Chambers’ GOP supermajority….

Cut 9, 9 seconds, caucus

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the NFL’s new all-time touchdown passing leader. Brees surpassed Peyton Manning’s mark of 539 TD passes by tossing four touchdown passes in a 34-7 win over the Colts. Brees now has 541 touchdown passes and the 40-year-old appreciates what football has given to him…

Cut 4 (12) “…for ever”

With the win, the Saints improve to 11-3 as they are looking for a second Super Bowl championship, but have to win out for a realistic shot at home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.