Finding the perfect Christmas tree

https://www.khou.com/video/life/holidays/tree-tips-finding-a-christmas-tree-that-will-last/285-8342033

Sooo.. It was Black Friday and I needed a story.  NOT one about shopping, necessarily.  It's the time when many people begin looking for holiday trees.  So I found a local tree seller willing to play in a pinch.  My photographer and I put together this piece about what to look for in a tree.  There may be some obvious stuff here.  But we had fun.  By the way, these particular trees were stunning with prices to match.

Sitting down with a former Secretary of State

https://www.khou.com/video/news/local/james-baker-on-dysfunction-in-politics/285-8343807

James Baker not only served as U.S. Secretary of State.. He's been Chief of Staff twice, Treasury Secretary, and Commerce Secretary.  Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy was named in his honor.  I got a chance to discuss the institute and other topics with Baker on the eve of its 25th anniversary gala.  President Barack Obama was the special guest.  The focus of this story was the lack of civility in current politics.  Baker and I also spoke about his longtime friend and former boss, President George H.W. Bush.  The two regularly go out for oysters. 

Something different for a Thanksgiving dinner story

https://www.khou.com/video/features/watch-heb-budget-friendly-options-for-thanksgiving-dinner/285-8324721

It's that time of year.  When you inevitably end up on a story about Thanksgiving dinner.  In this case, I decided to do something a little different.  I recruited H-E-B to help me figure out a Thanksgiving dinner for four that would cost less than $30.  We shot it entirely with a GoPro and, fortunately, the expert shopper did everything in one take.  I think it turned out well.  And there was money left over.

Final campaign push with Cruz and O'Rourke

https://www.khou.com/video/news/politics/all-eyes-on-texas-senate-race/285-8304018

The battle between Sen. Ted Cruz and challenger Beto O'Rourke has been one of the nation's most-watched races.  Each candidate campaigned numerous times in the Houston area.. Home to the most voters in the state.  I caught up with both campaigns on the last full day before the election.  Cruz agreed to do and one-on-one interview aboard his bus.  He stuck to the Houston suburbs while O'Rourke appeared downtown before heading to Dallas. 

Tornado touches down in far Houston suburb

https://www.khou.com/video/weather/tornado-tears-through-neighborhood-near-mont-belvieu/285-8300387

I worked in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee before coming to Texas.  That means I've covered a lot of tornadoes.. Many of them deadly.  This tornado didn't pack much of a punch.  But it did some damage in the Houston area on Halloween night.  It was enough to warrant a story for the me the next day in the far east suburb of Mont Belvieu.  Fortunately, plenty of storm victims were willing to share their stories.

Creepy clown cited while "scaring up" business

https://www.khou.com/video/news/local/creepy-clown-in-trouble-for-scaring-shoppers/285-8299297

I actually bought a Halloween mask to help tell this story.  Some may consider it an improvement :).  Basically, a manager of one of those pop-up Halloween stores was cited for disorderly conduct for being too aggressive in the parking lot while drumming up business.  I kind of thought someone must have overreacted.  But I got all sides of the story.  The mother who complained, the police, and the creepy clown who took off his mask for me.  I bought one just like it for my live shot.