I’ll start with some good news: two little girls who got lost in the dense woods of St. Tammany Parish last night were found alive and OK. St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith says they searched for 5 hours; using deputies, volunteers, drones and helicopters, but it was their search dogs who found the girls pet Golden Retriever, who never left their side…:

CUT 10(09)      “…would be the kid”

Smith says the girls are in good health and good spirits.

A tornado watch is in effect for a large portion of the state now through this evening. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says the watch area covers northeast Louisiana and central Louisiana, with the worst risks along I-20 and points north…:

CUT 12(10)      “…long track tornado.”

Keep alert for any new watches or warnings.

Senator Bill Cassidy gives his support to the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Law and touted its ability to help finance the extension of passenger-rail service through Mississippi and Louisiana along the I-20 corridor. Cassidy says there’s already a line that goes to Dallas and another to Atlanta…:

CUT 08(07)      “…or Dallas.”

Police in Covington arrest a suspect in Monday’s gruesome double murder. The badly burned remains of two people were found behind a downtown Covington business, and police say 49-year-old Antonio Tyson did it. Tyson was released from prison in August, after serving 31 years of a 40-year sentence for forcible rape and home invasion. Autopsies of the victims are pending. Many worry they are the remains of a missing local priest and a church assistant.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after authorities said recording devices were discovered on school property. A student’s mom has been arrested on a list of some 20 charges. More as this develops.

A massive search for two missing Southeast Louisiana girls and their dog ended in good news last night. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Davis says the girls – ages 4 and 7 – got lost with their dog around 5 pm yesterday while playing on their parents’ property…:

CUT 09(08)      “…from the house.”

He says volunteers, helicopters and even drones searched for 5 hours, but the girls were found safe; being protected by their Golden Retriever, Artemus.

As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on a bill codifying protection of same-sex marriage into federal law, Senator Bill Cassidy says he will not be voting for the bill…:

CUT 07(04)      “…bill will pass.”

The Senate added three amendments to that House bill, so it must go back to the House for concurrence before it heads for the President’s desk.

A statewide survey finds a majority of GOP voters support former President Donald Trump over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

Alexandria Police are investigating a brazen early morning burglary at a gun store that resulted in a large number of weapons being stolen. APD says a stolen SUV was used to drive right through the front of the building. Once in the thief or thieves made off with an undisclosed amount of the store inventory. Crimestoppers of Cenla would love to get tips. Call 318-447-7867.

A large portion of the state is under a tornado watch until 7 PM. The watch area covers northeast and central Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says the biggest potential for severe stuff is along and north of I-20. He says make sure you have a good way to receive weather alerts…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…of the Mississippi.”

The rainy weather should be over by morning.

A new poll of Louisiana Republican voters shows lots of support for Donald Trump. Edgewater Research pollster Ed Chervenak says they asked who GOP voters in our state want as the 2024 nominee, and turned up 36-percent for Ron DeSantis, but 56-percent want Trump…:

CUT 04  (09)        “…particular time.”

Will he or won’t he run for governor? A political scientist says the sooner Senator John Kennedy announces the better…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

Two little St. Tammany Parish girls, who went missing in the woods last night, have been found safe and sound. The 7 and 4-year-old girls and their Golden Retriever were found about 5 hours later by St. Tammany Sheriff’s officers using a helicopter and drones. We’re told the faithful dog never left the sisters’ side.

A large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until seven o’ clock tonight. It covers northeast Louisiana and central Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says the greatest threat is along and north of I-20…
cut 12 (10) “…long track tornadoes”
A tornado warning has been posted for southeastern Evangeline and central St. Landry Parish until 12:45 today.

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a group of Republicans who’ve criticized former President Donald Trump for having dinner with Kanye West who’s faced backlash for his anti-Semitic remarks. Cassidy’s tweet said hosting racist anti-Semites for dinner encourages other racist anti-Semites.
Cut 6 (07) “…say something.”
Cassidy’s tweet also said entertaining such persons is not reflective of the Republican party.

A new poll among Louisiana Republicans shows former President Donald Trump still has strong support here, compared to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Pollster Ed Chervenak is with Edgewater Research
Cut 3 (10) “…nomination.”
The poll asked who Republicans want to become the GOP’s nomination for president in 2024. Chervenak says he considers DeSantis’s numbers show some erosion of support for Trump, considering the Florida governor’s lower name recognition.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, will we get an answer soon from U-S Senator John Kennedy on whether he’ll run for governor next year. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says since Democrats have control of the Senate, Kennedy is taking a hard look at the 2023 governor’s race…
cut 9 (07) “….opposed to senator”

There’s an enhanced to moderate threat for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight for much of central and northeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s also a slight risk for severe storms in south Louisiana…
cut 15 (10) “….is needed”
Forecasters are urging residents to pay attention to emergency alerts.

We continue to wait on an answer from Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy on whether he’ll run for governor in 2023. Other potential GOP contenders, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder say they will announce a decision in January. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says they are not the only ones awaiting Kennedy’s decision.
Cut 8 (11) “…campaigning for.”
Stockley believes Kennedy is seriously considering running for governor, because Democrats have kept control of the Senate.

Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne has resigned after pleading no contest to malfeasance charges. A grand jury indicted Payne on accusations he asked a woman for sexual favors in exchange for dismissing charges against her boyfriend and then asking the Iberville Sheriff not to investigate. Payne has received a three-year suspended sentence and was forced to resign. District Attorney Tony Clayton says this case shows no one is above the law…
cut 12 (10) “…but it’s efficient”

The Louisiana Department of Health says Louisiana residents should get health screenings to determine if they are diabetic or pre-diabetic as the prevelance of diabetes is higher than the national average. Director of Well Ahead Louisiana, Melissa Martin, says residents who are at risk have access to resources with the state’s Well-ahead program….
cut 5 (13) “…easier choice”
For more information go to well-ahead-L-A-dot-com.

There’s a strong possibility for severe weather today. Whitney Thomas spoke with State Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”

A press conference concerning the double homicide investigation in Covington where the victims were burned beyond recognition has been delayed. Members of St. Peter Catholic Church fear the victims are retired priest Otis Young and his pastoral associate Ruth Prats, who have been missing since Sunday. 49-year-old Antonio Tyson has been charged in the double murder.

Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne resigned from office after pleading “no contest” to two counts of malfeasance and was given a three-year suspended sentence, as part the plea if he resigned. District Attorney Tony Clayton says this is standard practice for a case of this nature…

Cut 11 (05)  “…that office.”

Payne admitted to asking a woman for sex in exchange for dismissing charges against her fiancé and contacting the sheriff to cover up the investigation.

Days after he was re-elected, U.S. Senator John Kennedy announced he was seriously considering a run for governor in 2023. But when should we expect an announcement? University of Louisiana at Monroe political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley expects an announcement soon…

Cut 7 (08) “…running for governor.”
Other potential GOP contenders, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder say they will make a final decision next month.

A police chief in south Louisiana has resigned after pleading no contest to malfeasance charges. Last week a grand jury indicted Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne on accusations he asked a woman for sexual favors in exchange for dismissing charges against her boyfriend and then asking the Iberville Sheriff not to investigate. Payne has three-year suspended sentence and was forced to resign. District Attorney Tony Clayton says this case is a perfect example that no one is above the law…
cut 12 (10) “…but it’s efficient”

Now that Thanksgiving is over, will we get an answer soon from U-S Senator John Kennedy on whether he’ll run for governor next year. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says since Democrats have control of the Senate, Kennedy is taking a hard look at the 2023 governor’s race…
cut 9 (07) “….opposed to senator”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says be aware for the potential for severe weather today, especially if you live in northeast and central Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a collision between warm and cool air masses brings the threat of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, hail, and the potential for tornadoes.
Cut 13 (12) “…tornadic activity.”
The severe weather will arrive in Louisiana after 12 PM today.

The Louisiana Department of Health says diabetes affects 14-percent of Louisiana residents and one in three Louisiana residents are pre-diabetic. Director of Well Ahead Louisiana, Melissa Martin, says diabetes is a largely preventable condition and residents can find out more at well-ahead-L-A-dot-com…
cut 6 (11) “….doctor about”