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.”

Cleco reports about three-thousand customers are still without power across central Louisiana. Alexandria Mayor Jeff Hall says the clean-up from yesterday’s tornado outbreak has been ongoing…
cut 13 (07) “….they are passible”
Hall says the Johnny Downs Sports complex on the western side of the city is destroyed, but he’s committed to rebuilding an area where thousands of kids play soccer and baseball.

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 says it was special to do it on a night the franchise honored the 2009 Super Bowl team
Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”
The Saints visit the 11-and-3 and they are at Tennessee.

When the state legislature convenes next year, for the first time there will be a supermajority of Republicans in the Senate. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has been elected as chairwoman of the Senate Republican caucus and she says they are not opposed to having a working relationship with Governor Edwards, if he is willing to find common ground on some conservative priorities…
cut 10 (12) “…markets”

The state department of transportation announces plans to prevent construction work zone fatalities. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they are buying 70 trailers with bright flashing LED arrows. He says safety vests will also change from orange to neon yellow. He says they are also putting brighter lighting on top of vehicles…
cut 8 (08) “….it miles away
Mallett says they are purchasing safety cones that will sound an alarm when hit.

Alexandria Mayor Jeff Hall says the western end of town is in rebuild mode after it was hit by a powerful tornado. Jeff Palermo has the story.
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana National Guard will soon have a new leader. Major General Glenn Curtis will retire effective January 10th after eight years as L-N-G’s leader. Brigadier General Keith Waddell, an assistant principal at Westlake High School in Calcasieu Parish, will take his place. Waddell is also a coach and has worked in education for 24 year

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”

Back in June, 49-year-old Johnny Cole was 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) “…reach act 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.”
Governor Edwards is touring the damage with local officials and he’ll speak with reporters this afternoon.

The Republican Caucus of the Louisiana Senate has elected Beth Mizell as the chairwoman. The senator from Franklinton says the caucus will look at legislation to lower auto insurance rates…
cut 11 (10) “…of insurance”
The senator says they may also consider a proposal to move DOTD salaries into the general fund to free up more money for roadwork.

The state transportation department announces it is stepping up safety measures to protect its workers. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy and his teacher wife have been indicted on 150 counts that include rape, producing child porn and sexually abusing an animal. 44-year-old Dennis Perkins and 34-year-old Cynthia Perkins remain in custody without bond. The Attorney General’s office is prosecuting the case, but has not released many details.

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.

Central and southwest Louisiana are picking up the pieces from a deadly tornado outbreak that killed a woman in Vernon Parish. The National Weather Service says one of the twisters went 63 miles from DeRidder to Alexandria. Rapides Parish GOHSEP Director Sonya Wiley-Gremillion (Grim Mee Yawn) says several homes are destroyed…
Cut 8 (10) “…homes are uninhabitable.”

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 says it was special to do it on a night the franchise honored the 2009 Super Bowl team

Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”

Brees now has 541 touchdown passes.

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.”

Mallett says they will also implement brighter LED lighting for arrows and vehicle strobes.

Major General Glenn Curtis is stepping down as head of Louisiana’s National Guard, and will be replaced by Brigadier General Keith Wadell effective January 10th. Curtis was first appointed to the position by Governor Jindal in 2011 and was reappointed by Governor Edwards says the appointment of Wadell will continue to make the Louisiana Guard one of the best in the nation both in wars abroad and at home.

Cut 15 (12) “…of when.”

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.”

Cleco reports six-thousand of their customers are still without power this morning. The governor’s office says John Bel Edwards will tour damaged areas in Alexandria this afternoon. One area that the governor may visit is the Johnny Downs Sports Complex, which has been destroyed.

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”
And the Athens County Food Pantry is appreciative of LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow told the world during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech about the poverty in his hometown in Ohio and it’s resulted in over 300-thousand dollars in donation to the pantry. Rob Szabo is with the Athens County Food Pantry and he says it comes at a good time…
cut 12 (07) “….this time now”