Wednesday’s severe weather caused scattered damage throughout the state. In Natchitoches Parish, strong winds knocked two trees on a home, but a baby sleeping inside was not injured. Storm damage is also being reported in Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Richland, Madison, and Tangipahoa Parishes.

For the first time since the Buddy Roemer years, the state legislature has overridden a governor’s veto. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for older adults and those who are immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says a second booster should be given at least four months after the first one for those 50 and older and to those ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised.
Cut 11 (12) “…work properly.”

A JMC Analytics Poll shows Senator John Kennedy can be re-elected this fall without the need of a run-off. Pollster John Couvillon says 53-percent of the respondents in the survey voted for Kennedy, while Democratic challengers Gary Chambers and Luke Mixon received 14 and seven percent of the vote respectively…
cut 15 (09) “…Mixon does”
Qualifying for the race is in July.

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.

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.

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”

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.

The Storm Prediction Center puts Monroe, Alexandria, the Delta Parishes, Baton Rouge, and Hammond under a four out of five risk for severe weather. There’s the potential for tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the entire state needs to be on its toes…
Cut 7 (10) “…for the state.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill that gives 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 (11) “…compelling reason.”
The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

How do Louisiana voters feel about a few of our statewide elected officials? A new poll says “not that great.” David Grubb has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

For the first time since the state began reporting COVID hospitalizations, there are fewer than 100 people in the hospital suffering from COVID. But health officials continue to urge the unvaccinated to get the COVID shot…
cut 1 (30) “…..I’m Brook Thorington”

The state’s vaccination rate is nearly 53-percent.

A statewide poll of 600 likely voters finds that 48-percent of respondents believe Governor John Bel Edwards did a good job of handling the pandemic and that same poll gives the governor a 49-percent approval rating.

Waiting for debate on the House floor is a bill that could lead to jail time for those under the age of 18 who are convicted of marijuana possession. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s bill would punish first offenders possessing half an ounce or less to probation, but no more than 15 days in jail. Having more than 14 grams could lead to no more than six months. Bagley compares his proposed sentencing to one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana for adults while forbidding it for minors; Colorado…:
Cut 11 (09) “…comparing the areas.”

Warm today with temperatures in the low 80s, but there’s another threat for severe weather tomorrow from a cold front that will sweep across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says everyone should be weather aware tomorrow.
cut 6 (10) “…approaches”