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.

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.

A new JMC Analytics poll indicates Governor John Bel Edwards has an approval rating of 48 percent. Pollster John Couvillon says however it’s bit more favorable for Republican, Senator John Kennedy with a 53-percent approval rating and his base is pretty reflective of the state’s voting habits.

Cut 9 (07)  “…leaning voters.”

The state’s senior Senator Republican Bill Cassidy has a 38 percent approval rating.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill establishing penalties for juveniles in possession of small amounts of marijuana. DeSoto Parish Republican Larry Bagley’s bill corrects an oversight where possession penalties were lessened last year because the bill made no specific mention of minors in possession.

Cut 10 (13) “…doing it.”

After Baton Rouge TV station WBRZ broke a story that three State Civil Service employees received exorbitant raises leader of the department Byron Decoteau appeared before Senate Finance. Decoteau received a $20-thousand raise in a month, One employee’s pay increased 100-percent over a six-year period and another had a $43,000 increase in three years. Senator Bodi White…

Cut 15 (10)  “…over 100-percent.”

Decoteau says the raises were given to keep employees from leaving the department.

And the things you do for love can get you arrested… while attempting to bond her boyfriend out of the Grant Parish Detention Center, 21-year-old Alaina Cole of Houma was arrested because she drove a stolen vehicle to pick him up. Officials says Cole confessed and she was arrested for illegal possession of stolen things.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill establishing penalties for minors in possession of small amounts of marijuana. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

A Shreveport man who killed a postal worker pleas guilty to second-degree murder. 34-year-old Michael Gentry will be sentenced to 40 years in federal prison as part of the plea agreement. Gentry killed 52-year-old Antonio Williams in June of 2019 while he was delivering mail. Gentry also faces state charges.

The state marks a milestone with less than 100 hospitalized with COVID however LSU Infectious Disease expert Dr. Catherine O’Neal says we need to be better prepared for the next surge and only 53-percent of Louisianans are vaccinated. O’Neal says there are no significant long-term side effects from the vaccine and it’s still the best form of preventing severe COVID.

Cut 5 (08) “…protection.”

After Baton Rouge TV station WBRZ reported three State Civil Service employees received significant pay raises in a span of a few years the leader of the division appeared before Senate Finance to answer questions. Byron Decoteau, who received a $20,000 pay increase within a month says the pay raises were given under the optional pay rule.

Cut 13 (10) “…your employees “

One Civil Service employee’s pay increased 100-percent in a six-year period

State lawmakers will hold a veto session as there will be an effort to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional District map approved in the redistricting session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the override session will begin at noon on Wednesday…

Cut 12 (07) “…regular session.” 

Governor Edwards vetoed two new congressional maps approved by lawmakers.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill establishing penalties for juveniles in possession of small amounts of marijuana. DeSoto Parish Republican Larry Bagley says his bill is to correct an oversight from when possession penalties were lessened last year. He says that bill made no specific mention of persons under 18…:

Cut 10 (15) “…or to fine them.”

After Baton Rouge TV station WBRZ reported three State Civil Service employees received significant pay raises in a span of a few years the leader of the division appeared before Senate Finance to answer questions. Byron Decoteau, who received a $20,000 pay increase within a month says the pay raises were given under the optional pay rule.

Cut 13 (10) “…your employees “

State Civil Service chief operating officer, Nicole Tucker, her pay increased by $34,000 over a six-year period and Deputy Director Chris Deer’s pay increased by $43,000 in a matter of three years. Senator Bodi White also told the committee that the Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne was not aware of the raises.

Cut 15 (10)  “…over 100%”

The veto session is officially on now, to override the governor’s veto of the Republican’s Congressional district map. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if the override attempts fails, it’s doubtful Republicans will send a map to the governor that has an additional Black voting district…

Cut 15 (10)  “..the courts”

The session is expected to begin at noon on Wednesday.

According to the personal finance website Wallet Hub-dot-com, Louisiana is the nation’s most stressed state. The survey compares all 50 states across 41 key metrics and the numbers don’t look good says analyst Jill Gonzales.

Cut 9 (09) “…major categories.”

A statewide poll looking ahead to the 2023 governor’s race shows it’s wide open. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And the state reports less than 100 COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals. Today’s total is 89.

A statewide poll looking ahead to the next governor’s race shows it’s wide open. Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics asked 600 likely voters last week who they would vote for in 2023 among eight different potential candidates and Republican Senator John Kennedy received the most support at 22-percent

Cut 3 (10) “…all three”

After shooting at a marked Monroe police car early Sunday morning, four men are behind bars and while no one was hurt, Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says less than one percent of residents are causing 100-percent of the problems in the community. Ellis vowed to make sure those responsible will go away for a long time and that the 4^th JDC does its job.

Cut 7 (12) “…to continue.” 

We are expecting to learn today that state lawmakers will hold another veto session as they will attempt to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional district map approved by the Republican-led Legislature last month. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it will take 70 votes in the House and 20 votes in the Senate to override the veto and there are 68 Republicans in the House

Cut 13 (12) “..Congressional map “

The veto session would begin Wednesday, and the regular session would be temporarily halted.

The state reports a decline in applications from people looking to be a state worker. According to the Advocate newspaper, the percentage of applicants for state jobs has dropped 52 percent over the last two years. Louisiana’s Director of State Civil Service says the pandemic has changed people’s views of work.

After firing shots at a marked Monroe Police vehicle, four men are now behind bars. Police Chief Vic Zordan says while no one was injured early Sunday morning shooting, it does have their full attention and the four men are no strangers to law enforcement.

 Cut 6  (11) “…that’s a fact.” 

The driver Xavian Bilton faces attempted first-degree murder charges and along with the remaining passengers they all face illegal possession of a firearm and controlled substance charges.

Official word is expected today on whether state lawmakers will hold a veto override session in attempt to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional district map. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Governor Edwards is ready to defend his veto of the map that features one majority Black district….

cut 14 (08) “…and see”
The veto session would begin Wednesday.

Louisiana is losing population in MOST of its parishes. U.S. Census Bureau data shows our state lost over 27-thousand residents between July 2020 and July 2021.  Dr. Allison Plyer is chief demographer with The Data Center in New Orleans. She says the pandemic accounts for some of the diminishing numbers…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…55,000.”

The worst losses were in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes.

In an effort to recruit teachers Delhi Representative Francis Thompson files The Geaux Teach Fund to provide scholarships annually for students to pursue careers in education and would be administered through the Department of Education…

Cut 12 (09) “…number of teachers.”

The legislation is heading to the House floor.

In Monroe, four men have been arrested after shooting at a marked police patrol vehicle early Sunday morning. The driver of the vehicle that fired on the patrol unit, has been identified as 19-year old Xavian Bilton, he was taken into custody after a high-speed chase, along with three passengers.

Our state is losing population. Kevin Gallagher reports on new census data showing 27-thousand fewer residents than just one year before…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

We are expecting to learn this officially morning that state lawmakers will hold another veto session to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional district map approved by the Republican-led Legislature last month. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if the veto override attempts fails, it’s doubtful Republicans will send a map to the governor that has an additional Black voting district…

Cut 15 (10)  “..the courts”

In two weeks, the film 57 Seconds starring Oscar winner Morgan Freeman and the Hunger Game’s Josh Hutcherson will begin filming in Lafayette. President of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority Mandi Mitchell says it’s based on E. C. Tubb’s science fiction work Fallen Angel.

Cut 7 (08) “…and morality.”

The production is expected to spend $8.5 million in the city and create 500 jobs.