The Louisiana House and Senate have each voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ vetoes of congressional district maps passed last month in a special session. Edwards objected to the maps failure to create a second majority Black congressional voting district. The Senate’s override passed by a 27-to-11 vote. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson says, because a third of Louisiana’s voters are Black, a third of the six districts should reflect that…:

CUT 14(09)      “…one member in Congress.”

But Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says it’s not quite that simple…:

CUT 15(14)      “…in the population.”

The maps will eventually wind up in federal court.

As a line of strong thunderstorms moves across Louisiana, please keep an ear or eye to weather information sources for updates on possible damaging winds, hail, heavy showers and even tornados. We have an unconfirmed report of a twister touching down in Richland Parish this afternoon. More are possible, so try to be prepared if you can.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office issues an open burn safety warning after four individuals were killed in separate burns that got out of control. Brooke Thorington explains..:

CUT 02(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico he’s considering a run for governor in 2023. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Today’s strong storm system has caused widespread power outages all across the state. Entergy reports over 25-thousand homes and businesses lost power. Damage reports are coming in from all across northern Louisiana. In Lincoln Parish, a suspected tornado caused trees to fall on homes and other structures. No twisters have been confirmed as of this hour.

More on the weather situation, Nation Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Matt Duplantis says before the line of severe weather moves through, secure loose items outdoors and know where the safest areas of your home are…:

CUT 11(12)      “…in some location.”

Tornado watches are posted for large portions of the state into the evening hours.

The state legislature has voted to override Governor Edwards’ vetoes of congressional district maps they passed in a February special session. Edwards objected because the maps create no second majority-Black district. The House vote was 72-to-21; the Senate’s 27-to-11. Mr. Edwards says it’s disappointing but not surprising. This is the first time state lawmakers have overturned a governor’s veto since the Buddy Roemer years.

A tornado warning is out for Franklin, Richland. West Carroll and Morehouse parishes – until 2:45, as a line of severe thunderstorms moves slowly through the state. National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says Southeast Louisiana should stay on alert for heavy rains, tornados and damaging heavy winds that should last well into the night…:

CUT 10(12)      “…southeast Louisiana.”

A large part of the rest of the state is under a tornado watch until early evening.

The state House and Senate have both voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of congressional they passed in February. Edwards rejected the maps for offering no second majority-minority voting district, to reflect the state’s racial makeup. The house voted 72-31 to override the veto. In the Senate, the override passed by a 12-vote margin. Democrat New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson was upset…:

CUT 13(13)      “…and what’s right.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico he’s considering running for governor in 2023. U.L.-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy’s popularity with his base suffered when he voted to convict President Trump in his impeachment. However, he’s also worked to bring home a lot of federal disaster aid and more. Cross says one way to win more voters back would be to vote against the White House’s Supreme Court nominee…:

CUT 05(11)      “…their documents.”

A big number are expected to run for governor because Governor Edwards has reached his term limit.

Saints veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins is retiring, after 13 seasons in the NFL. Jenkins has won two Super Bowl rings; one with the Saints and one with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jenkins says he is “grateful” for the opportunities.

Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico he’s considering a run for governor in 2023. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana House has voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of a Republican-drawn Congressional map that has one majority Black District. 70 votes were needed in the 105 member House.  Speaker Clay Schexnayder reads the final vote…

Cut 12 (06) “…(applause).”

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As a line of severe thunderstorms moves slowly through the state, National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says Southeast Louisiana should stay on alert.

Cut 9 (11) “…later on today.”

Tornado warnings are already in effect for West Monroe and Sterlington until 1:45 pm.

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning safety warning as four people have died this year from burn piles, three in the last week. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says that if you are in an area that permits open burns, be sure that it is at least 75 feet away from any structure including your neighbors. Also, set a five-foot wet control line around the burn area.

Cut 8 (11) “… five-foot line.”

Rodrigue says never use flammable liquids to ignite the burn, have a water source handy and never leave it unattended.

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Severe weather is entering the state and has already prompted tornado warnings and watches. Tornado Warnings have been issued for Jackson, Bienville, Wynn, and Natchitoches until 12:45. Much of the state is under a tornado watch through the remainder of the day. Be sure to check your local forecast and take proper precautions today.

The Veto Override session is officially underway in both chambers. Since Governor Edwards rejected the congressional maps passed last month because they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional district lawmakers are meeting to override his veto. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the prospect of this override session lacks the enthusiasm of last year.

Cut 14 (13)  “..almost like a sleeper.”

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder expects the veto session to wrap up tomorrow

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico.com he’s considering a run for Louisiana Governor in 2023. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy is known as a moderate and that’s helped Governor John Bel Edwards win two terms in office…

Cut 4 (08) “…strong candidate.”

After 4 people were killed in separate open burns recently the State Fire Marshal’s Office issues a safety warning. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if open burns are legal in your area check weather conditions before you begin, especially wind speeds and direction because they can change quickly.

Cut 7 (09) “…to rain.” 

She says to make sure you are 75 feet from any structure and set a five-foot wet control line around the burn.

A strong line of thunderstorms is moving through northwest Louisiana and a tornado warning is in effect until 11:45 for areas southeast of Bossier City and that includes the city of Minden. Meanwhile, in south Louisiana, strong winds are ahead of this front. Wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour have been reported in New Iberia.

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. House Bill 160 would give lessees at least 30 days before they are kicked out of their homes…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico.com he’s considering a run for Louisiana Governor in 2023. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says if Cassidy ran, he would not be the front-runner, because a recent JMC Analytics poll had his approval rating at 38-percent…
Cut 3 (11) “…problematic.”
Cassidy has been in the Republican Party’s doghouse since his vote to impeach former President Donald Trump.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning safety warning as four people have been killed this year from burn piles. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says spring cleaning tends to prompt open burns but the flames can erupt into large grass fires
Cut 6 (09) “…the public.”
Three people have died in the last week from burn piles that got out of control.

Another round of severe weather is set to hit the state today. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northeast Louisiana, much of central Louisiana, the Northshore, and the Baton Rouge area are at the greatest risk…

Cut 4 (11)  “…state of Louisiana.”

There is a threat of tornados south of I-10 today, a week after a deadly tornado ripped through St. Bernard Parish.

The veto session to override Gov Edwards’ rejection of congressional maps because they lacked a second majority-minority district begins today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says to override it will take 70 of 105 votes in the House and 26 of 39 in the Senate, and whether they’ll be able to is anyone’s guess…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…the governor’s veto.”

The veto session should wrap by Sunday.

The House Civil Law Committee heard emotional testimony from a man who says his landlord forced him to leave his apartment in Houma during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida…

Cut 9 (07)  “…the law.”
Ben Toups says he’s now living in Denham Springs and paying more for rent. State lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would prevent evictions for 30 days following the declaration of a federal disaster.

Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel introduces legislation to prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in motor vehicles, both for drivers and passengers. Schlegel says the bill is not intended to target anyone, but to ensure safety on the road.

Cut 10 (08) “…in a car.”

The bill passed out of House Transportation 11-3.

We’ve got another round of severe weather today. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northeast Louisiana, much of central Louisiana, the Northshore, and the Baton Rouge area are at the greatest risk for severe weather. Lafayette, Natchitoches, and Ruston are under an enhanced risk and there’s a slight risk for the Shreveport area…

Cut 5 (09) “,…mid-afternoon on” 

The Veto Override session gets underway today. Governor Edwards rejected the congressional maps passed by both chambers last month because they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the prospect of this override session lacks the enthusiasm of last year.

Cut 14 (13)  “..almost like a sleeper.”

The Veto Override session should end by Sunday.

Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel introduces legislation to prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in motor vehicles, both for drivers and passengers. Louisiana State Police Captain Robert Burns says enforcement is the biggest problem, particularly if it relies on officers to make a visual determination of what is being inhaled.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the vehicle.”

The bill passed out of House Transportation 11 to 3.

After some tenants were evicted just days after Hurricane Ida New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s introduces legislation prohibiting property owners from filing legal proceedings for 30 days after a Federally declared disaster.  Ben Toups says he was only given days to vacate his Houma apartment even though it was deemed livable.

Cut 8 (12)  “…consequences.”

Toups says he had to move to Denham Springs and live in a rental that he can barely afford.

Eight days after a deadly tornado tore through St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is once again under the threat of tornadoes. Much of the northern half of the state is under a tornado watch until 1 PM and meteorologist John Wetherbee says isolated tornadoes are possible in south Louisiana later today…
cut 6 (12) “….pay attention”

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s bill will give lessees at least a month, after a Federally declared disaster, before property owners can file legal proceedings. Ben Toups had to leave his Houma apartment.

Cut 7 (11) “…your space.”
Toups re-located to Denham Springs. A bill addressing this issue heads to the House floor.

Marijuana has been a burning topic during the legislative session, and a lawmaker takes the discussion to the state’s roadways. David Grubb has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning has issued an open burning safety warning following multiple deaths stemming from out-of-control burn piles. Browning says there have been four deaths since January attributed to open burning accidents. The latest incident happened Monday in Webster Parish, killing an 80-year-old man.