2:30 LRN Newscast Nov 29

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.

1:30 LRN Newscast Nov 29

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.

12:30 LRN Newscast

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”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU suffered a disappointing 38-23 loss Saturday to Texas A&M. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says the team knows they didn’t play up to standard and isn’t worried about a let-down game in the upcoming SEC Championship…
Cut 16 (17) “…their standard.”
With the loss, the Tigers fall to 9-3 on the season, eliminating them from playoff contention. Still the SEC West Champions, LSU will face number one Georgia Saturday in the SEC Championship.

Auburn officially introduced Hugh Freeze as its new football coach. In 13 seasons, Freeze has a 76-47 record as a head coach at Lambuth, Arkansas State, Ole Miss and most recently Liberty.

Texas A-and-M has said Darrell Dickey will not return as the school’s offensive coordinator.

The Saints are 4-8 after a 13-0 loss in San Francisco on Sunday. The defense played well but the offense had two trips inside the five-yard line resulting in zero points. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team was successful in creating opportunities but couldn’t capitalize against a good team…
Cut 19 (17) “…has to increase.”
Allen was asked if the errors that are plaguing the team fall more on the players or coaches and Allen responded it’s a combination of both.

The Pelicans did not have Brandon Ingram or C-J McCollum last night, but Zion Williamson stepped up and scored 27 points as New Orleans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 105 to 101. Williamson had a career-high eight assists.

College hoops, Tulane over ULM 75-60, UT Martin Topped McNeese 86-83 and Grambling over Dartmouth 73-49.

11:30 LRN Newscast

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.

10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 29

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.

9:30 LRN Newscast

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”

8:30 LRN Newscast

There’s an enhanced to moderate threat for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight for much of central and northeast Louisiana as a strong storm system moves into the state. 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.

Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne has resigned after pleading “no contest” to two malfeasance charges…
cut 10 (08) “…those charges”
District Attorney Tony Clayton says a grand jury indicted Payne last week based on evidence he asked a woman for sexual favors in exchange for dismissing charges against her boyfriend and contacting the sheriff to drop the investigation.

Will he or won’t he run for governor? A political analyst says the sooner Senator John Kennedy announces the better. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a group of Republicans criticizing former President Donald Trump for having dinner with the rapper Ye, who has faced backlash for his anti-Semitic remarks. Cassidy Tweeted that hosting racist anti-Semites for dinner encourages other racist anti-Semites. Cassidy said this is not the Republican Party.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Delta parishes in northeast Louisiana are under a moderate risk for severe weather later today as a result of a strong storm system. State Climatologist Barry Keim says much of north and all of central Louisiana are under an enhanced risk of severe weather…
cut 14 (04) “….all risks”
The stormy weather is expected to arrive after 12 PM today and continue through the afternoon and into tonight.

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 make a final 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 pleaded “no contest” to 2 of 5 criminal charges Monday. Kace Kieschnick spoke with the District Attorney in Iberville Parish Tony Clayton…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Covington Police have made an arrest in a double homicide investigation in which the bodies of the victims were burned without recognition. New Orleans media outlets are reporting the victims are possibly retired priest, Reverend Otis Young and a pastoral associate at St. Peter Catholic Church, Ruth Prats.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are 4-8 after a 13-0 loss in San Francisco on Sunday. The defense played well but the offense had two trips inside the five-yard line resulting in zero points. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team was successful in creating opportunities but couldn’t capitalize against a good team…
Cut 19 (17) “…has to increase.”
Allen was asked if the errors that are plaguing the team fall more on the players or coaches and Allen responded it’s a combination of both.

The Pelicans did not have Brandon Ingram or C-J McCollum last night, but Zion Williamson stepped up and scored 27 points as New Orleans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 105 to 101. Williamson had a career-high eight assists.

College hoops, Tulane over ULM 75-60, UT Martin Topped McNeese 86-83 and Grambling over Dartmouth 73-49.

New college football playoff rankings come out tonight. LSU’s chances to play in the four-team college football playoff were dashed with its loss to Texas A-and-M. But LSU can still win an SEC Championship with a win over Georgia this Saturday in Atlanta. Coach Brian Kelly says an SEC title in his first season is still a tremendous accomplishment…
cut 17 (20) “…football program”

Tulane is preparing to play U-C-F in this Saturday’s American Atheltic Conference Championship Game. But much of the focus outside of the team is whether coach Willie Fritz will be the next head coach at Georgia Tech. He was asked about it several times yesterday…
cut 27 (06) “…at Tulane” (2x)