A strong storm system that has the potential to produce damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will cross the state from the west to the east today. A tornado watch has already been posted for most of the northern half of the state until 1 PM today.

The state legislature starts a Veto Override session at noon today, to debate whether to override Governor Edwards’ veto of congressional district maps approved in the redistricting session.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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.

The House Transportation Committee has approved a bill that says you can not smoke or vape marijuana in motor vehicles. The bill does not provide guidelines for enforcement, but Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says it does send a message…
cut 11 (11) “…in a car”
Violators would face a 100-dollar fine.

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 for severe weather…
cut 4 (11) “…state of Louisiana”
Most of north Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 1 PM today.

At noon today, lawmakers will begin a veto session as the Republican-led Legislature will attempt to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional District map approved by legislators last month. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate to override the veto…
cut 13 (12) “…this is life and death”

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”

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. House Bill 160 would give lessees at 30 days before they’d be forced to leave. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Marijuana has been a burning topic during the session, and Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel takes the discussion to the state’s roadways. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The state legislature starts a Veto Override session today, to resolve congressional district maps rejected last month by Governor Edwards. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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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 for severe weather…

Cut 4 (11)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Wetherbee says Lafayette, Natchitoches and Ruston are under an enhanced risk for severe weather and there’s a slight risk for the Shreveport area…

Cut 5 (09) “,…mid-afternoon on” 

A deadly tornado ripped through St. Bernard Parish in southeast Louisiana last week. Wetherbee says a tornado threat south of I-10 exits for this weather system too…

Cut 6 (12)  “..pay attention too.”

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After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days and given few options. 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 says he was sent a barrage of emails telling him to leave his Houma apartment.

Cut 7 (11) “…your space.”

Toups says he was given just seven days to leave the apartment, and his options were limited due to widespread damages and the limited supply of rentals was out of his price range. He says it was one of the worst experiences of his life.

Cut 8 (12)  “…consequences.”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says some landlords sent eviction notices to tenants before their property was even inspected making the housing situation even worse. Toups says he was one of those residents who was involuntarily displaced that shouldn’t have been.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the law.”

The bill received full passage in House Civil Law and Procedure and heads to the House.

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Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel has introduced legislation that would 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.”

House Bill 234, if passed, would make smoking or vaping marijuana in a moving vehicle a nonmoving violation punishable by a 100-dollar fine. The bill does not provide guidelines for enforcement, but Schlegel says it does send a message.

Cut  11 (11)  “…in a car.”  

Captain Robert Burns of the Louisiana State Police said enforcement is the biggest problem with the bill, particularly if it relies on officers and troopers to make a visual determination of what is being smoked.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the vehicle.”

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State lawmakers put their regular session on hold for a few days to convene today’s Veto Override effort. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed congressional maps passed by both the House and the Senate last month. He said they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional voting district. Political analyst & Capitol-watcher Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not sensing much “buzz” among lawmakers about it…:

Cut 13 (12) “…this is life and death.”

Last year lawmakers held a failed override session, to overturn Governor’s Edwards vetoes of a transgender athletes ban and a bill to end concealed carry permits. Pinsonat says the prospect of this override session lacks the enthusiasm of last year…:

Cut 14 (15)  “..almost like a sleeper.”

Overriding the governor’s veto will require 70 of 105 votes in the House and 26 of 39 votes in the Senate. Pinsonat says whether they’ll be able to muster those votes is anyone’s guess…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…the governor’s veto.”

The Veto Override session starts today and should end by Sunday. If lawmakers overturn the vetoes, the maps they passed will be submitted to the feds, but will likely need to be decided in court.

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New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen spoke with the media while attending the NFL owner’s meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. Allen was asked about his handling of the Jameis Winston situation, with the team flirting with Deshaun Watson before reaching an agreement with Winston to be the team’s unchallenged starter at quarterback.

Cut 16 (19)  “…to improve on.”

Last season’s other quarterback, Taysom Hill, will concentrate on playing tight end this year says Allen. He believes that keeping Hill’s playmaking ability and nose for the end zone on the field catching passes is more valuable to the team than having him on the sidelines as a backup signal-caller.

Cut 17 (13) “ …on the sideline.” 

Allen also discussed another major piece of the offense, revealing that he visited All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas in California while he continues to rehab from surgery. Thomas has missed 26 of 33 games over the last two seasons.

Cut 18 (20) “ …just personally.” 

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The Veto Override session gets underway Wednesday. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed congressional maps passed by both the House and the Senate last month because they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not sensing much “buzz” among lawmakers about it…:

Cut 13 (12) “…this is life and death.”

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 before property owners can file legal proceedings.  Ben Toups says he was sent a barrage of emails telling him to leave his Houma apartment.

Cut 7 (11) “…your space.”

The bill now heads to the House floor.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to give adoptees access to their birth certificate once they reach the age of 24. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen, who’s adopted himself, says adopted children born in Louisiana are barred from seeing their original birth certificate unless they provide a judge with a compelling reason like…

Cut 3 (10) “…compelling reason.”

The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The House postpones a vote on Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to create a new set of fines for holding a phone while driving. Amite Representative Robby Carter who represents a district where more than half live below the poverty level says the bill hurts those who have limited means.

Cut 11 (12)  “…against anyone.”  

Huval plans to rewrite the bill and present it again later.

Look out for another severe weather system that will move across our state with a cold front tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we should all be weather-aware Wednesday…:

CUT 06(10)      “…that storm approaches”

Just a week ago, a similar storm system spawned a killer tornado in St. Bernard Parish.

The Louisiana House approves a bill that gives an adoptee access to their birth certificate once they reach the age of 24. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen, who’s adopted himself, says adults have the right to all their own records. But Thibodaux Rep. Bryan Fontenot feels the birth mom should be advised and asked consent for the now-grown child to contact her…:

CUT 05(11)      “…right to their documents”

It passed 76-21 and moves now to the Senate.

The Livingston Parish city of Denham Springs is cracking down on massage parlors and the prostitution that often comes with them. The city council this week approved a new ordinance banning them from being open all night, and requiring a clear list of legit massage services – from which they cannot deviate. Several massage parlors in Denham and nearby Baton Rouge have been busted for human trafficking in recent months.

The 2022 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival returns to the Fair Grounds Race Course one month from day and the times for when the various musical performers will take the stage were released today. Headliners for this year’s Jazz Fest include the Who, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffet. Senior Vice President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says they are expecting a great festival…:

CUT 14(11)      “…Heritage Festival.”

The Foo Fighters were scheduled to play at Jazz Fest on May 1st. But the rock band has canceled all upcoming concert dates after the sudden death of their drummer, Taylor Hawkins, last week.

There’s another threat of severe weather tomorrow from a cold front that will sweep across Louisiana. The Storm Prediction Center puts Monroe, Alexandria, the Delta Parishes, Baton Rouge, and Hammond under a four out of five risk for severe weather. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this storm system is similar to the one that hit the state last week spawning a deadly tornado in St. Bernard Parish…:

CUT 08(08)      “…certainly at risk.”

Try to be prepared.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival starts one month from today, after having missed the last two years because of the pandemic. At a press event to announce the stage schedules, Lisa Alexis with the mayor’s office says hotels rooms are filling up fast…:

CUT 13(10)      “…that revenue.”

Headliners this year include the Who, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffet.

It’s “new year; same struggle” for a bill to fine drivers for holding a phone behind the wheel. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

Members of the Senate Finance Committee grilled state Civil Service Commission leaders about hefty pay raises for its top three officials, while refusing any increases for rank & file employees. One received 11 raises in just three years; effectively DOUBLING her annual salary to over $120-k. No one any higher-up in state government knew anything about the raises.

A bill to allow adult adoptees access to their original birth record received House approval on a 76-21 vote. Brooke Thorington on what this means..:

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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It’s “new year; same struggle” for a bill to fine drivers for holding a phone while at the wheel. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m  David Grubb.”  

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The Louisiana House approves a bill that gives an adoptee access to their birth certificate once they reach the age of 24. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen, who’s adopted himself, says adopted children born in Louisiana are barred from seeing their original birth certificate unless they provide a judge with a compelling reason like…

Cut 3 (10) “…compelling reason.”

The bill faces opposition from anti-abortion groups and Owen was questioned if other states who have similar access have seen an increase in their abortion rate, he says he’s seen just the opposite in states similar to Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…in place.”

Owens says in Alabama they’ve had a similar law for 22 years.

Thibodeaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says he thought a birth mother remained anonymous in adoption proceedings, but Owen said that’s a falsehood many believe. Fontenot says a mother should give consent if she wishes to later be contacted by the child.

Cut 5 (11) “…their documents.”

Owen amended the bill to allow birth parents to submit a form indicating if they’d like to be contacted or not.

The bill passed on a 76 to 21 vote and now heads to the Senate.

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There’s another threat of severe weather tomorrow from a cold front that will sweep across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says everyone should be weather aware tomorrow.

 Cut 6  (10) “…approaches.” 

The Storm Prediction Center puts Monroe, Alexandria, the Delta Parishes, Baton Rouge, and Hammond under a four out of five risk for severe weather. That means there’s the potential for tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds. Keim says the entire state needs to be on its toes…

Cut 7 (10) “…for the state.” 

Keim says this weather system is similar to the one that hit the state last week spawning a tornado that killed one person in St. Bernard Parish…

Cut 8 (08) “… at risk.” 

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The House has postponed a vote on a bill proposed by Breaux Bridge Republican Representative Mike Huval that would create a new set of fines for holding a phone while driving, even if the driver is not texting. Huval faced some strong questions from Amite representative Robby Carter, who opposes the bill.

Cut 9 (13) “…to the judge.”

Huval had difficulty providing specifics on how the bill would impact users of different types of cell phones or on the technology required for drivers to be compliant with the guidelines, and Carter made sure to press him for answers.

Cut 10 (12)  “…can’t answer that.”

Carter, who represents a district where 60 percent of his constituents make less than the state median income, says the bill would disproportionately impact poor people.

Cut 11 (12)  “…against anyone.”  

Huval proposed a similar bill last year. The House passed it, but the Senate rejected it, concerned that it could hurt minorities. Huval has decided to edit the bill and present it to the House again later.

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The 2022 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival returns to the Fair Grounds Race Course one month from day and the times for when the various musical performers will take the stage were released today. Governor John Bel Edwards is glad the two-weekend musical festival is back

Cut 12 (12) “…myself.” 

The COVID pandemic canceled the 2020 and 2021 Jazz Fests, even an effort to hold the music festival in the fall last year was scrapped. Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, Lisa Alexis, says hotel rooms are filling up fast…

Cut 13 (10) “…that revenue”

Headliners for this year’s Jazz Fest include the Who, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffet. Senior Vice President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says they are expecting a great festival…

Cut 14 (11)  “..Jazz and Heritage Festival”

The Foo Fighters were scheduled to play at Jazz Fest on May 1st. But the rock band has canceled all upcoming concert dates after the sudden death of their drummer, Taylor Hawkins, last week.

At the Capitol, the House postpones floor vote on a bill to ban use of a handheld cellphone while driving. Breaux Bridge Republican Mike Huval sponsors the bill and says it will make driving safer. But amite Democrat Republican Robby Carter worries it will unfairly burden poor people. He presses Huval on questions he feels the bill doesn’t address…:

CUT 10  (12)        “…can’t answer that.”

Carter was concerned that hands-free tech is not as readily available as many might think. Huval agreed to withdraw the bill for some editing, then bring it back later in the session.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is just a few weeks away; returning to the Fairgrounds for the first time since 2019. The stage schedules were released today. Governor John Bel Edwards says, after it was canceled twice by the pandemic, he’s glad to see it back…:

CUT 12  (09)        “…myself.”

A bill to allow an adult adoptee access to their original birth records passes in the House, on a 76-21 vote. Brooke Thorington has more on what this would mean for them…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

From the “Things Smart People Don’t Do” file: a Houma woman is behind bars for allegedly stealing a car and driving it to Grant Parish … to bail her boyfriend out of jail. 21-year-old Alaina Cole reportedly admitted to officials at the Grant Parish prison the car was NOT hers. She charged with possession of stolen things. The car was recovered unharmed.